Bill > S04874

This bill criminalizes the practice of "running" in legal and healthcare services, which involves procuring clients or patients for financial gain. The bill introduces new definitions and creates three degrees of criminal offense related to using "runners" to attract clients. A "runner" is defined as a person who, for money or other valuable compensation, attempts to procure clients, patients, or customers for a provider with the intent of obtaining insurance benefits or filing claims. The offenses are graduated based on the number of instances and financial value: third degree is a misdemeanor (acting as a runner or soliciting runners on one or more occasions), second degree is a class E felony (acting as a runner for benefits exceeding $2,500 or on five or more occasions), and first degree is a class D felony (acting as a runner for benefits exceeding $5,000 or on ten or more occasions). The bill also clarifies that certain activities are exempt, such as advertising through public media, legal referrals, and insurance sales. The purpose appears to be preventing predatory practices that inappropriately steer clients to legal or medical services for financial gain, protecting consumers from potential exploitation, and maintaining the integrity of legal and healthcare service procurement.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4874