Assemblymember Gabriel introduces AB 394 to enhance safety for California transit workers

The Assembly Judiciary Committee of the California State Assembly convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing safety for transit workers and addressing gun violence in the state.

The first item on the agenda was Assembly Bill 394, which focuses on protecting frontline transit workers from violence and harassment. The bill's author emphasized the increasing assaults on transit employees, which not only jeopardize their safety but also disrupt public transit services and raise operational costs. Key provisions of AB 394 include extending enhanced penalties for battery to all frontline transit employees, not just operators, and allowing employers to seek temporary restraining orders (TROs) on behalf of employees. These TROs can be applied system-wide to ensure comprehensive protection for transit workers.

Witnesses supporting the bill included representatives from transit agencies and labor unions, who shared personal accounts of violence faced by transit workers. They highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to safeguard employees and maintain public confidence in transit systems. The committee received broad support for AB 394, with various transit agencies and labor organizations voicing their endorsement. However, there was some opposition from groups concerned about the implications of barring individuals from the entire transit system.

Following the discussion on AB 394, the committee turned its attention to Assembly Bill 1127, which aims to combat gun violence by regulating the sale of semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted into automatic weapons. The bill seeks to hold gun manufacturers accountable for design flaws that allow such conversions and prohibits the sale of these firearms to civilians, with exceptions for law enforcement.

Supporters of AB 1127 included representatives from gun violence prevention organizations, who underscored the dangers posed by easily modifiable firearms. They shared personal stories of gun violence, emphasizing the need for legislative measures to protect communities. Opposition to the bill came from gun rights advocates, who argued that it would unfairly restrict law-abiding citizens and violate constitutional rights.

The committee concluded the meeting with a motion to advance both bills, reflecting a commitment to addressing the pressing issues of worker safety in public transit and gun violence in California. The discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing public safety with individual rights, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations.