Bill > A01489

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to elevate assault against a code enforcement official to a class D felony by adding code enforcement officials to the list of protected professionals who, when intentionally prevented from performing a lawful duty through physical injury or by using an animal to obstruct their work, would trigger enhanced criminal penalties. Specifically, the bill modifies section 120.05(3) of the penal law to include "code enforcement official" among existing protected professions such as police officers, firefighters, nurses, and other public service workers. The language change replaces gendered pronouns ("he or she") with the gender-neutral term "the actor" and adds the specific phrase "code enforcement official" in two instances within the statute. By making this modification, the bill ensures that those who assault code enforcement officials while they are performing their official duties can be charged with a more serious felony offense, thereby providing greater legal protection for these professionals. The bill is set to take effect on the first of November following its enactment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1489