Fourth-degree assault crime related to transit operators expanded to include transportation network company drivers.

HF 640 expands Minnesota's fourth-degree assault law to protect transportation network company (TNC) drivers, such as those for Uber or Lyft, who were previously excluded from the statute. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to define "transit operator" to include TNC drivers operating under section 65B.472, meaning assaulting them while performing ride-hailing duties would now be a gross misdemeanor. Penalties for such assaults include up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine, matching protections currently available to public bus, light rail, and commuter rail operators. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025.