Senate Bill S9938 seeks to codify proposals made in recent weeks
NEW YORK, NY — Today, Attorney General candidate Saritha Komatireddy and Senator Steve Chan took significant action to make our Transit systems safe, as Senate Bill S9938 was introduced in the State Senate. Led by Senator Steve Chan, the bill is aimed at strengthening enforcement and improving safety across New York’s transit system.
“Millions of New Yorkers rely on mass transit every day to get to work, school, and care for their families. They deserve to be safe,” said Saritha Komatireddy. “For too many riders, fear and disorder have become part of the daily commute. I commend Leader Ortt for advancing legislation that takes this crisis seriously. New Yorkers need real enforcement, real consequences, and leadership willing to restore safety in our transit system.”
“As a former cop, I know stronger laws mean stronger law enforcement and tougher penalties. That’s why I’m proud to work with Saritha Komatireddy to ensure New Yorkers are protected. Criminals who choose to violently prey on the innocent must know they will pay for their crimes. My bill will increase penalties and hold criminals accountable for crimes committed in and around public transit systems,” stated Senator Steve Chan, SD 17.
Earlier this month, Komatireddy unveiled a transit safety plan that would involve a crackdown on transit crime led by the Attorney General’s office, including:
- Zero-Tolerance for Transit Crime: Prosecute transit offenses and ensure that offenders face meaningful consequences.
- Transit Bans for Repeat and Violent Offenders: Issue trespass notices to ban repeat and violent offenders from using the subways and other mass transit.
- Transit Crime Strike Force: Create a dedicated unit within the Attorney General’s Office to support prosecutions and target serious transit crime.
She also called for enhanced penalties for transit crime in the form of the legislation now being introduced.
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