Bill > A05187

This bill amends the New York penal law to expand the definition of hate crimes to include offenses targeting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. Specifically, the bill adds employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel as a protected characteristic when determining if a crime is a hate crime. The bill provides detailed definitions for these professional categories, including active and retired city or state law enforcement officers, firefighters employed by municipal departments or volunteers, and emergency medical services personnel like first responders and emergency medical technicians. Under the new provisions, if a person commits a specified offense and intentionally selects the victim because of their actual or perceived employment in these professions, the crime can be classified as a hate crime. The bill emphasizes that mere proof of the victim's professional status does not automatically constitute a hate crime, but intentional targeting based on that status can trigger the enhanced classification. This modification aims to provide additional legal protection for critical public service professionals who are at increased risk of targeted violence.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5187