Authorizes conductors and motormen to carry tasers, electronic stun guns, and dazer-tasers during the performance of his or her duties

BILL NUMBER:S3000A

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law and the railroad law, in relation to authorizing voluntary programs for conductors and motormen to carry tasers, electronic stun guns or dazer-taser computer controlled optical distractors during the performance of his or her duties

Purpose

Authorizes conductors and motormen to carry tasers or electronic stun guns during the performance of his or her duties.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Amends Subdivision a of section 265.20 of penal law by adding a new paragraph 17. Allowing possession or use of taser or electronic stun gun by conductors or motormen during the performance of their duties.

§ 2. The railroad law is amended by adding a new section 65-a. Use of tasers by conductors and motormen. Which would require adequate certified training to be prescribed by the Superintendent of the State Police, and would remain valid during the interim of continuous employment at said title, and for two years after the date of commencement of an interruption in service immediately prior to such interruption if the employee served as a conductor or motorman for less than two consecutive years or for four years after the date of commencement, of an interruption in service immediately prior to such interruption if the employee served as a conductor or motorman for two consecutive years or longer.

§3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for this implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made on or before such date.

Justification

During a time when we must be on our guard as a state. It is imperative that all modes of travel are provided with a line of defense against the dangers of threats by passengers against fellow passengers and staff, as well as, the eminent threats of terrorism. It has been rumored that the next avenue of attack was thought Might be focused against our railway systems. Currently our railways do not have police or proper security Personnel to protect and ensure the safety of our New York State citizens. We must give those who are responsible for travel safety the means to do just that, keep our citizens safe. Giving our conductors and motormen the training and weapons they need will at least give our railways some avenue of safety.

Prior legislation history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation

necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made on or before such date.