Bill > S00035

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to add two new offenses, aggravated cemetery desecration in the second degree (section 145.26) and aggravated cemetery desecration in the first degree (section 145.27), to the list of "specified offenses" for hate crime purposes. By including these cemetery desecration offenses in the existing list of specified offenses, the bill expands the types of crimes that can be prosecuted as hate crimes if they are committed with intent to intimidate or harass a person based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation. This means that if someone deliberately damages or defaces a cemetery with the intent to target or intimidate a particular group, they could face enhanced penalties under hate crime statutes. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S35