Bill > A00196

This bill establishes the "Dialogue and Decorum Act," which creates a new criminal offense of disruption or disturbance of a lawful assembly. Under the proposed law, a person commits this unclassified misdemeanor when they willfully disturb or break up a legal assembly without legal authority. The bill defines "willfully disturbs" as conduct that substantially impairs the ability to conduct a meeting and violates the implicit customs or explicit rules of the assembly, where the person knew or should have known their actions were inappropriate. A "lawful assembly" is defined as a group of two or more individuals who legally reserve a space to peacefully assemble for a legal purpose. The bill specifically clarifies that the law does not prevent people from expressing viewpoints or engaging in non-disruptive protests. A violation of this act would be punishable by a fine ranging from $250 to $500. Disregarding a moderator's call to order can be considered proof of willful disruption. The law is designed to protect the orderly conduct of meetings and assemblies while still preserving fundamental rights of free speech and peaceful protest.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A196