Bill > S04007

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to include "section 145.60 (making graffiti)" as one of the "specified offenses" that can be considered in hate crime prosecutions. In the context of criminal law, a "specified offense" is a list of specific criminal actions that can be subject to enhanced penalties if they are committed with a bias motivation. By adding graffiti to this list, the bill allows prosecutors to potentially treat bias-motivated graffiti as a hate crime, which typically carries more serious legal consequences. This means that if someone creates graffiti targeting a person or group based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, they could face enhanced charges. The bill would take effect on the first of November following its passage into law, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new legal provision.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4007