Res. No. 814
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law the "Taxi Driver Protection Act" (S.3824/A.207), which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for assaulting an operator of a for-hire vehicle and by requiring a sign in every for-hire vehicle that states, "WARNING: Assaulting a taxi driver is punishable by up to twenty-five years in prison."
By Council Members Dromm, Cabrera, Ferreras, Gentile, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Mealy, Mendez, Palma, Recchia, Rose, Van Bramer, Williams, Nelson, Mark-Viverito and Koo
Whereas, Taxi drivers and for-hire vehicle drivers are an integral part of the city's workforce and provide an important service to New Yorkers and tourists; and
Whereas, While most taxi drivers and drivers of for-hire vehicles perform their jobs without encountering any problems, some such drivers have been the victims of violence; and
Whereas, One of the dangers associated with this profession is being the target of robberies, assaults, violent threats and homicides; and
Whereas, According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) factsheet, taxi drivers and drivers of for-hire vehicles are over 20 times more likely to be murdered on the job than other workers; and
Whereas, Even though taxi drivers and drivers of for-hire vehicles face similar dangers as train and bus operators, existing law does not offer such drivers the same protections as train and bus operators; and
Whereas, A recent incident where an off-duty police officer allegedly punched a cab driver in the face in Manhattan highlights the danger such drivers face; and
Whereas, In order to prevent violence against taxi drivers and for-hire drivers,
Senator Eric Adams and Assemblymember Rory Lancman introduced the "Taxi Driver Protection Act" (S.3824/A.207) which would amend the Penal Law in relation to assaults on an operator of a for-hire vehicle; and
Whereas, Specifically, the bill would amend section 60.07 which is entitled "Authorized disposition; criminal attack on operator of for-hire vehicles" by adding assault in the second degree as one of the specified offenses that would require judges to impose an additional prison term of not less than three years nor more than five years for a felony assault on a driver; and
Whereas, The bill would also require a sign on every for-hire vehicle that states, " WARNING: Assaulting a taxi driver is punishable by up to twenty-five years in prison," but would make such sign requirement optional for livery and black car vehicle operators; and
Whereas, The bill would amend section 120.05 of the Penal Law to extend the same protections train operators receive to operators of a for-hire vehicle when they are physically injured as a result of someone trying to prevent them from performing their duties; and
Whereas, Enacting such a bill would deter criminals from assaulting taxi drivers and drivers of for-hire vehicles; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law the "Taxi Driver Protection Act" (S.3824/A.207), which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for assaulting an operator of a for-hire vehicle and requiring a sign in every for-hire vehicle that states, "WARNING: Assaulting a taxi driver is punishable by up to twenty-five years in prison."
SA
4/7/11
LS 2075