Bill > A04928

This bill enhances legal protections for election officers by amending several sections of the New York penal law. Specifically, the bill adds election officers to the list of protected individuals under assault in the second degree, which means intentionally causing physical injury to an election officer while they are performing their official duties would now be classified as a class D felony. The bill also expands the definition of obstruction of governmental administration to include interference with election officers, making it a class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill adds a new provision to the aggravated harassment statute that makes it illegal to strike, shove, kick, or otherwise physically contact an election officer with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm them while they are performing their official duties. These changes aim to provide greater legal safeguards for election workers by creating more serious criminal penalties for those who attempt to impede, intimidate, or physically harm them during the electoral process. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4928