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Minutes for HB2808 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Creating the crimes of causing harm to a public transportation employee and aggravated causing harm to a public transportation employee.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 6, 2024
Chairperson Carpenter opened the hearing on HB2808. The revisor provided an overview on the bill (Attachment 1). Questions were asked by Representatives Ruiz, McNorton, Bergkamp, Bryce, and Sanders.
The Chair recognized Tuck Duncan as a proponent of HB2808 (Attachment 2). He stated that assaults on transit workers have tripled since 2008. Fear of on-the-job violence has contributed to operator shortages currently preventing many transit agencies from running the highest-quality service possible. He stated that the current law is not working. The goal is to provide a message to the general public about what will happen if an assault is made on a transit driver. He asked that the Committee give this bill serious consideration and move it forward. Questions were asked by Representatives Bryce, Sanders,Thomas, Resman,Hoye, Blew and Howell.
Sage Pourmirza testified in support of HB2808 on behalf of the League of Kansas Municipalities (Attachment 3). He stated that the League supports providing extra protection for public transit employees.
The Chair recognized Deasiray Bush, Director of the Transportation Department of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas (Attachment 4). She stated that this bill is essential since there has been a rise in abuse and harassment from riders to transit workers. The workers and passengers should feel safe and protected when operating or using this publicly-funded service. She asked for the Committee's support for HB2808.
The Chair noted that there is written proponent testimony from Robert Nugent, Topeka Metro (Attachment 5); Andy Sanchez, Kansas AFL-CIO (Attachment 6); and Frank White III, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (Attachment 7).
There being no opponents or neutrals, the Chair closed the hearing on HB2808.
