BLET Georgia State Legislative Board Chairman Dwayne Massengale (second from left) at the desk of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp during the signing ceremony.
____________________
A new law in the State of Georgia, backed by the BLET, increases the punishment for assault and battery against railroad workers. Dwayne Massengale, Chairman of the BLET’s Georgia State Legislative Board, has lobbied for the bill for over a year. The measure expands existing law to add railroad workers to those governed by the state’s Utility Worker Protection Act. The law penalizes anyone who assaults a railroad worker with possible incarceration of 1 to 3 years and a fine of $5,000, depending on the severity of the case.
The law passed with just two dissenting votes in the State Senate and one dissenting vote in the State House of Representatives. The bill was signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May 6, 2024. “The bill protects many hard-working Georgians who put their lives on the line to provide the essential services necessary for everyday life,” Brother Massengale said.