Bill > S03935

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "Aggravated harassment of a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault" within the New York penal code. Specifically, a person would be guilty of this class E felony if they commit second-degree aggravated harassment (as defined in section 240.30) with the knowledge or perception that the victim is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault. This means that if someone harasses a person while knowing they are a domestic violence or sexual assault survivor, they can be charged with a more serious crime than standard harassment. The bill aims to provide additional legal protection for survivors by creating a specific criminal charge that recognizes the heightened harm caused by targeting someone who has already experienced trauma. The new law would go into effect on the first of November following its passage, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for implementing the new statute.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3935