Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

New federal crime for train assaults

If enacted, this bill would make it a federal crime to assault, attempt to assault, or conspire to assault passenger-train crew members while onboard a moving passenger train, on a platform serving such a train, or in a station that serves passenger trains. "Crew member" would include engineers, conductors, onboard staff, employees performing safety-sensitive functions, and station workers who handle ticketing, check-in, baggage claim, or boarding. The base penalty would be a fine under Title 18, up to 6 months in jail, or both. Higher maximum sentences would apply in worse cases: up to 1 year for striking, beating, or wounding; up to 10 years when a dangerous weapon, intent to commit a felony (other than murder), intent to cause bodily harm, or serious bodily injury is involved; and up to 20 years for intent to commit murder. The bill would rely on existing federal definitions for "dangerous weapon," "passenger train," and "serious bodily injury."