Adds assault of a highway worker, motor vehicle investigator and motor vehicle inspector to the crime of assault in the second degree; defines such terms.
Impact
The enactment of A08854 would significantly alter existing laws by explicitly acknowledging highway workers and related personnel in assault statutes. This change is intended to deter potential assaults against these workers, thereby promoting a safer work environment. The laws currently in place do not explicitly mention such groups, and this amendment could serve as a legal basis for prosecuting attackers more effectively, supporting both public safety initiatives and the rights of workers in transportation-related sectors.
Summary
Bill A08854 proposes amendments to the penal law in New York, particularly concerning the crime of assault in the second degree. This bill introduces new definitions related to assault against various categories of personnel involved in transportation and infrastructure, specifically targeting highway workers, motor vehicle inspectors, and motor carrier investigators. By expanding the legal definition of assault to include these groups, the bill aims to enhance protections for individuals who work on highways and streets, whose safety may be at risk while performing their duties.
Contention
While supporters argue that this bill is essential for the protection of vital public service workers, opponents may raise concerns about the broader implications of defining additional classes of individuals within the assault statutes. They might argue that the existing laws already offer sufficient protection and question whether this expansion is necessary or could lead to increased prosecutions for minor infractions. Furthermore, there may be debates about how this bill fits within the broader context of penal law reform and its effectiveness in genuinely protecting workers versus simply amending legal definitions.
Same As
Adds assault of a highway worker, motor vehicle investigator and motor vehicle inspector to the crime of assault in the second degree; defines such terms.
Relates to vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter when a person operates a motor vehicle without having been licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the state of New York, and while operating said motor vehicle causes the death of another person.
Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.
Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.
Includes within the class D felony of assault in the second degree, the assault of a driver of a for-hire vehicle or transportation network company driver.