Bill > A05762

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to create a new, more severe criminal offense for selling controlled substances to very young children. Specifically, the bill establishes a new crime called "Criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree," which applies when an adult who is over 18 years old knowingly sells a controlled substance to a person under 14 years old. This new offense is classified as a class A-II felony, which is a more serious charge than the existing "Criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the second degree" (which applies to sales to children under 17 and is currently a class B felony). The existing law is modified to clarify language and terminology, such as replacing "[he or she]" with "such person." The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving time for legal and law enforcement systems to prepare for the new classification. The purpose appears to be to create stronger legal deterrents and consequences for adults who intentionally sell drugs to very young children.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5762