Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

S 3665, the Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act, makes it a federal crime to assault or intimidate crew members on passenger trains, platforms, or in rail stations. It directly affects railroad workers (including engineers, conductors, and safety personnel) and passengers who threaten them, defining "dangerous weapon" to include items like pocket knives under 2.5 inches and box cutters. The law prohibits actions that interfere with crew duties or reduce their ability to perform them, with penalties of up to 8 years in prison for basic offenses and up to 20 years if a dangerous weapon is used. This bill establishes clear legal protections for rail crew members during their work, focusing on preventing physical threats that could compromise safety.