Bill > S03619

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the definition of burglary in the second degree by adding farm operations as a specific type of premises that can be subject to this criminal charge. Currently, burglary in the second degree applies to entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime, under certain conditions such as being armed, causing physical injury, or the building being a dwelling. The new provision explicitly adds real property used as a farm operation, as defined in the Agriculture and Markets Law, to the list of premises that can be considered for second-degree burglary. This means that unlawfully entering or remaining on farm property with criminal intent, particularly under aggravating circumstances like being armed or causing injury, can now be charged as a class C felony. The bill aims to provide additional legal protection for agricultural properties and those who operate farms, recognizing the importance of agricultural land and the potential vulnerabilities of such premises.