Bill > A03512

This bill creates a new offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, which expands existing child welfare protection laws. Specifically, a person can be charged with this new first-degree offense if they knowingly create a foreseeable risk of serious physical injury or protracted harm to a child under seventeen years old, or if they have a prior conviction for endangering the welfare of a child. The bill upgrades this offense from a misdemeanor to a class D felony. Additionally, the bill makes several related changes to New York's penal code, including modifying statutes related to sexual offenses against children, extending the statute of limitations for certain child-related sexual crimes, and clarifying legal definitions. The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections for children by creating more comprehensive and severe penalties for actions that potentially endanger children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3512