Bill > S04821

This bill modifies New York's penal law regarding cemetery desecration by removing the previous $250 damage threshold and expanding the definition of the crime. Specifically, the bill makes cemetery desecration in the second degree a class E felony for any damage or theft to cemetery property, regardless of its monetary value. The bill also introduces a new offense of cemetery desecration in the first degree, which occurs when a person has been previously convicted of cemetery desecration in the second degree within the past five years, and classifies this as a class D felony. The changes eliminate the previous requirement that damage or theft exceed $250 and remove the existing section defining cemetery desecration in the second degree. By broadening the law, the bill aims to provide stronger legal protections for cemeteries and burial sites, ensuring that any intentional damage or theft is treated as a serious criminal offense, with increased penalties for repeat offenders.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4821