Bill > S01611

This bill modifies the New York State Penal Law to expand the definition of harassment in the first degree, which is classified as a class B misdemeanor. The bill first defines a "school employee" as any person employed by an elementary or secondary school, whether public or private, including those working for the school district or school administration. The bill then adds a new provision to the harassment statute that makes it a criminal offense for a person to strike, shove, kick, physically contact, or attempt or threaten to do so to a school employee while that employee is performing their professional duties or because of their work. This means that any physical assault, attempted assault, or threat of assault against a school employee during the course of their job would now be considered harassment in the first degree. The bill aims to provide additional legal protection for school employees by criminalizing physical and threatened violence against them in their workplace. The new law will take effect on the first day of November following its passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1611