Bill > S00474

This bill amends New York's penal law to broaden protections for vulnerable elderly and disabled persons by removing specific references to "caregivers" and expanding the scope of criminal offenses that can be committed against these populations. The bill redefines "vulnerable elderly persons" as individuals 60 years or older who have physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction that impairs their ability to care for themselves, or anyone 70 years or older. It eliminates the previous requirement that an offender be a caregiver to be charged with endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly or disabled person, thus making any person who commits certain harmful acts against these individuals potentially liable. The legislation also introduces a new article creating specific "crimes against the elderly or disabled," which includes provisions that elevate the severity of charges if an offense is committed intentionally targeting or motivated by a person's disability status or age-related infirmity. Additionally, the bill establishes enhanced sentencing guidelines for such crimes, with increased penalties for offenses committed against vulnerable elderly or disabled persons, ranging from higher offense categories to mandatory minimum sentences depending on the specific circumstances of the crime.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S474