New California Law Protects Transit Workers

In a landmark victory that ensures stronger protections against the assaults, harassment, and threats that far too many of our members face on the job, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 394 into law yesterday. The bill was authored by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) and proudly co-sponsored by SMART-TD.  

AB 394 recognizes that transit workers are essential, frontline professionals who deserve a safe and respectful workplace.  

What AB 394 Delivers for Transit Workers  

• Tougher Penalties: Assaulting or battering a transit worker now carries enhanced penalties, closing gaps that previously left many employees under-protected.  
• Stronger Court Protections: Transit agencies, unions, or workers themselves can now seek restraining orders and injunctions that apply across an entire transit system, not just a single bus or station.  
• No Barriers to Justice: Filing fees are waived for petitions related to workplace harassment, stalking, or violence, making it easier and faster for workers to get protection.  
• Keeping Bad Actors Off Transit: Courts can now ban repeat offenders from using an entire transit system if they are convicted of assaulting a worker.  

AB 394 gives transit employees and their unions the tools they need to defend workers, protect riders, and deter bad behavior before it escalates.  

SMART-TD’s Role in Getting This Done 

SMART-TD was at the table from the very beginning, fighting to ensure that this bill reflected the real challenges our members face every day. Our California Safety and Legislative Director, Louie Costa, worked directly with Assemblywoman Wilson’s office and coalition partners to ensure that AB 394 delivered real, enforceable protections for bus and transit workers.  

This victory was possible because of SMART-TD’s leadership, your voices as members, and our strong partnerships with allies in labor and the legislature.  

Gov. Newsom and Rep. Wilson Earned Our Respect  

SMART-TD’s California State Safety and Legislative Director Louie Costa celebrated the victory, saying:  

“The California Safety and Legislative Board is proud to congratulate Assemblywoman Wilson for her leadership in protecting transit workers with the signing of Assembly Bill 394. Our members frequently face threats of violence – and these incidents have steadily climbed over the past several years. AB 394 will enhance the penalties when individuals harm our members and transit riders and will give transit agencies more tools, they can use to keep transportation systems safe. AB 394 strengthens protections against assaults and harassment on public transit, giving our members greater safety and peace of mind while serving the public. We were proud to co-sponsor AB 394 along with the California Transit Association, Teamsters, and the Amalgamated Transit Union. 

We also thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 394 and acknowledging the need for enhanced protection for essential transit workers. The work to get this bill passed was a collaborative effort by the CSLB Executive Committee and several Legislative Representatives who made several trips to the Capitol in support.”  

California is on the Right Path  

For too long, transit workers have been asked to do their jobs under the shadow of rising threats and violence, an issue that SMART-TD has covered in-depth. With AB 394, California is making it clear: enough is enough. From verbal threats to assault with a deadly weapon, this needs to end! Our members deserve the same dignity, safety, and respect as any other profession. This law and the work that went into passing it put California on this path!  

This is your win. This is Solidarity!