Bill > A04662

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to expand the definition of criminal impersonation in the first degree to include impersonating members of a board of elections, election officers, or employees of such organizations. Currently, the law prohibits criminal impersonation when someone pretends to be a police officer or federal law enforcement officer and uses that false identity to induce others to submit to their perceived authority or to commit a felony. The new provision adds a similar standard for election-related impersonation, making it illegal to pretend to be an election official with the intent to cause others to rely on that false pretense. This change is designed to protect the integrity of elections by creating a specific criminal penalty for individuals who might attempt to mislead voters or election workers by falsely claiming to be official election personnel. The amendment is classified as a class E felony, which means it carries potential criminal penalties including potential imprisonment. The bill will take effect on the first of November following its passage into law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4662