Creates an class B felony offense for an assault on a public bus operator.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 707, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§707-   Assault against a public bus operator. (1) A person commits the offense of an assault against a city bus operator if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a public bus operator who is engaged in the performance of duty.

(2) For purposes of this section, "public bus operator" means any bus driver employed by a public bus system.

(3) Assault against a public bus operator is a class B felony."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.