Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Malden legislators help protect public transit workers from assault Special to The Advocate S tate Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to strengthen protections for public transit workers while they are on duty by expanding laws on assault and battery. An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker responds to an increased number of assaults targeting workers on Massachusetts’ public transportation systems, including the MBTA, commuter rail lines and regional transit authorities, by ensuring a heightened minimum punishment for assailants. On November 24, 2025, the Legislature enacted the bill, and on December 3, Governor Maura Healey signed it into law as Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2025. On the MBTA alone, workers in 2024 were targeted by 33 assaults with weapons and 72 physical assaults. This law adds public transit workers to the list of public employees — including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel — who are protected from assault and battery with heightened penalties for any individual who commits such a crime. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as the Keolis employees who operate the commuter rail. “MBTA employees and other public transit staff are essential workers who keep us moving and safe when we are riding the subway, trains, and buses,” said Senator Lewis. “Transit workers, like all other workers, should never fear being assaulted while doing their jobs, and this legislation will ensure that violent or abusive individuals are held accountable for their actions.” “Transit workers cannot be expected to serve the public while being subjected to harassment or physical harm,” said Representative Donato, who is the House Second Assistant Majority Leader. “This act establishes a zero-tolerance standard for violence on the public transportation system. I am proud to join my colleagues in protecting and supporting Massachusetts workers.” “Public transit workers are the Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 Mid-grade Regular 2.67 3.37 3.39 $3.45 Full Service ULS $2.999 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! backbone of our transportation system, and ensuring their safety is essential to maintaining a reliable service for riders,” said Representative Ultrino. “By strengthening penalties that hold offenders fully accountable and establishing clear safeguards, this legislation sends a clear message that assaulting transit workers will not be tolerated.” “The Commonwealth’s transit workers oversee essential daily operations for residents in our ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. Celebrate 135 years of strength & commitment to our community with a special 135-day CD offer. LIMITED-TIME OFFER: 4.00% APY* 135-Day CD *New money only. $250,000 maximum deposit. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. A minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF Jason Lewis State Senator Steven Ultrino State Representative Paul Donato State Representative cities and towns, including in the 32nd Middlesex District,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “No one should be fearful to enter their place of work, and this critical legislation enhances protections for our transit workKate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative ers so that they can continue to carry out necessary services that allow our everyday lives to run smoothly. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair Day for your PROTECT | SEE PAGE 5 FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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