Bill > A06497

This bill amends the existing New York penal law regarding the crime of luring a child by expanding the definition and adding new provisions related to electronic communication. The bill broadens the existing law by creating two main scenarios for luring a child: (1) physically luring a child into a vehicle, building, or isolated area with the intent to commit specific serious crimes, and (2) using electronic communication (like computers, text messages, or email) to solicit sexual acts, sexual performances, or in-person contact that could lead to serious criminal offenses. The bill introduces detailed definitions for terms like "child" (a person under 17), "communicate" (including electronic text and visual messaging), and specifies various types of sexual conduct. The bill also adjusts the felony classification of the offense, changing it from a class E to a class D felony, with escalating severity based on the intended underlying criminal act. Importantly, the bill expands legal protections by explicitly including electronic communication methods as a means of potential child luring, reflecting the growing role of technology in potential child exploitation scenarios. The law will take effect on the first of November following its passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6497