Bill > S00989

This bill establishes a new criminal offense called "aggravated reckless endangerment" which occurs when a person knowingly possesses fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative and recklessly exposes first responders, correction officers, correctional facility employees, or active duty military personnel to the substance in a manner likely to cause illness or injury. The offense is classified as a class C felony. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the criminal procedure law to include aggravated reckless endangerment as a "qualified offense" that courts must consider when making decisions about releasing defendants or setting conditions of release. This means that if someone is charged with aggravated reckless endangerment, it could potentially impact their ability to be released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions. The changes are technical in nature and primarily update existing legal language to incorporate the new offense, such as replacing gender-specific terms like "his or her" with more neutral language like "the defendant's" or "the principal's". The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S989