Bill > A05813

This bill establishes strict regulations preventing registered sex offenders from working in positions involving substantial contact with children while dressed as children's characters. The legislation defines "children's characters" broadly, including figures like Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, and mythical characters, and specifies "substantial contact" as activities like taking photos with children or allowing children to sit on their lap. Employers, organizations, and government entities are required to conduct comprehensive background checks using multiple databases, including the statewide child abuse registry, sex offender registry, criminal history repositories, and national criminal databases. Violations carry significant penalties: sex offenders who apply for or accept such positions can be charged with a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class D felony for subsequent offenses, while employers who knowingly hire sex offenders in these roles can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. The bill aims to protect children from potential sexual predators in settings where they are particularly vulnerable, such as mall events, store activities, and other child-focused interactions with costumed characters. The law will take effect on the first of November following its enactment.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5813