Bill > S00531

This bill establishes the "New York state antisemitism vandalism act", which creates a new criminal offense in the state's penal law. Specifically, the bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to intentionally destroy, damage, remove, or cause the destruction, damage, or removal of any banner, poster, flyer, or billboard located in a public space that is designed to raise awareness about Israeli victims of crime or show positive support for Israel and its citizens. A class A misdemeanor in New York is a serious criminal charge that can potentially result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine. The law appears intended to protect public displays that support Israel from vandalism, potentially as a response to rising tensions or incidents of antisemitism. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, adding a new section (§ 240.80) to the state's penal law to codify this specific form of vandalism as a distinct criminal offense.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S531