If two drunks get into an escalated bar fight and they end up assaulting each other (let's say they attack each other with broken bottles, both get cuts and stabs, and are sent to the hospital for stiches and blood loss without any serious permanent injuries), that could be misdemeanor assault under NY Law. That's ugly and probably regrettable, but not enough to send them to prison for a drunk night "mistake".

That's still very different than a violent person injuring someone who is just working on a retail store, resulting them into being sent to a hospital.

I think this bill idea strikes a very timid and cautious approach in making that distinction clearer, which is not too bad if they are trying to avoid a draconian law or something.

In my opinion, it should be extended to other workers, and it should be extended to people commuting to/from work or school, and people going to/from medical appointments. I hope in a future bill.