S. 3665: Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

This bill, known as the Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act, aims to enhance the safety and protection of crew members working on passenger trains. It proposes federal criminal penalties for individuals who assault or intimidate crew members, similar to the protections already in place for airline crew members.

Key Provisions

• Definitions:
  • The term crew member refers to employees such as engineers, conductors, and onboard personnel, as well as those responsible for safety functions and customer service at rail stations.
  • Dangerous weapon is defined as any item capable of causing death or serious bodily injury, including specific examples like pocket knives with short blades and box cutters.
  • Passenger train encompasses both intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation.
  • Serious bodily injury includes injuries that pose a substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, or significant disfigurement.
• Prohibitions:

  The bill makes it illegal for any person onboard a passenger train, in a train station, or on a platform to:

  • Assault or intimidate a crew member, interfering with their job performance.
  • Conspire or attempt to commit such acts against crew members.
• Penalties:

  Violating the provisions of this bill would lead to criminal penalties that may include:

  • A fine or imprisonment for up to 8 years.
  • If a dangerous weapon is involved in the incident, imprisonment could extend up to 20 years.

Implications

The legislation aims to foster a safer environment for train crew members by ensuring harsher repercussions for those who engage in violent or threatening behavior. This is part of a broader effort to align rail safety laws more closely with air travel regulations, addressing the need for effective deterrents against such offenses in the rail sector.

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