Bill would give crossing guards same legal protection as other school officials

PHILADELPHIA -- Crossing guards who escort children through the dangerous intersections of the community have come together to endorse a bill cosponsored by Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) that would give crossing guards the same legal protection as other school officials.  

The bill recently passed the House Judiciary Committee and moves to the floor for a vote by the full House.

“Thank you for taking such an important interest in us,” said Debbie Kolakowski, who watches over the intersection of Richmond and Lefevre streets.  “We are honored that you are trying to make sure we are protected.”

The bipartisan bill increases the penalty for assaulting a school crossing guard to an aggravated assault. It is currently classified as a simple assault.  

Taylor joined with other representatives from western Pennsylvania last year after a Pittsburgh crossing guard was assaulted, but the alleged perpetrator was not charged with aggravated assault because the Pennsylvania statute does not include school crossing guards.

“Harsher penalties make us feel you have our backs, just like we have the backs of all children we cross,” Kolakowski said.  “We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.”  She was joined by eight others, calling themselves The Bridesburg Crossing Guards.

“Crossing guards are invaluable to our community,” Taylor said.  “They deserve the same protection as other school and municipal officials.” 

Under current Pennsylvania law crossing guards are not included under the aggravated assault statute.  Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes currently protects police, school and municipal officials from aggravated assault.

Under the new bill, any person who attempts to, or intentionally causes, bodily injury to a crossing guard who is properly attired and acting in the scope of his or her official duty could face as much as 10 years and prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

“Crossing guards are instrumental in our children’s lives,” Taylor said. “It’s important that, under the law, we show them the respect they deserve and provide the protections they need.”                               

Rep. John Taylor

PA House of Representatives

Contact: David J. Foster

 (267) 207-0207