Bill > A01159

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the definition of hate crimes by adding law enforcement officers as a protected class. Specifically, the legislation modifies existing hate crime statutes to include offenses committed against someone because of their actual or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer. This means that if an individual intentionally targets or commits a criminal act against a law enforcement officer specifically because of their profession, the offense can now be classified as a hate crime. Additionally, the bill adds making graffiti (section 145.60 of the Penal Law) to the list of "specified offenses" that can be considered hate crimes. The change allows prosecutors to potentially pursue enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by bias against law enforcement, similar to existing protections based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. The bill emphasizes that merely proving the victim's or perpetrator's employment status is not, by itself, sufficient to prove a hate crime, and other elements of intent must be established. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1159