Bill > A05241

This bill expands existing New York state law to include peace officers in offenses related to unlawfully fleeing from law enforcement in a motor vehicle. Currently, the law only references police officers, but this bill modifies sections of the penal law and vehicle and traffic law to explicitly include peace officers (who are different from police officers and typically have more limited law enforcement powers). Under the revised law, a person can be charged with unlawful fleeing in three degrees: third degree (a misdemeanor) involves attempting to flee from a uniformed peace officer or marked law enforcement vehicle by driving at least 25 miles per hour over the speed limit or driving recklessly; second degree (a felony) occurs if the fleeing results in serious physical injury to a peace officer or third person; and first degree (a more serious felony) applies if the fleeing results in a death. The bill also updates the definition of authorized emergency vehicles to include peace officer vehicles provided by a law enforcement agency. The modifications use gender-neutral language and standardize terminology throughout the existing statutes, making the law more comprehensive and precise in its application to different types of law enforcement personnel.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5241