Bill > S05555

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to expand the definition of disorderly conduct by adding several new specific offenses. The bill adds to the existing disorderly conduct statute new prohibited actions in public places, including urinating or defecating in public, smoking any substance in a prohibited area, possessing an open container of alcohol in a public place, smoking marijuana in a public place, and disobeying signage in municipal or state parks. The bill also provides a detailed definition of "public place" that encompasses a wide range of spaces such as highways, streets, sidewalks, parking areas, shopping areas, playgrounds, parks, and beaches, while excluding licensed alcohol-serving premises and private property. The new provisions maintain the existing intent requirement that the actions be done with the purpose of causing public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of such. The offense remains classified as a violation, which typically means a less serious criminal charge that is not considered a misdemeanor or felony. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, giving time for public notification and law enforcement preparation.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5555