Bill > S06176

This bill requires district attorneys to provide a written explanation when they choose not to charge a hate crime in cases involving specified offenses committed against female victims. The bill defines a comprehensive list of "specified offenses" that include various serious crimes such as assault, rape, stalking, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and harassment, among others. When such a crime is committed against a female victim and the prosecutor does not classify it as a hate crime under section 485.05 of the penal law, the district attorney must file a document with the accusatory instrument (the initial legal document that begins a criminal prosecution) explaining their reasoning for not pursuing a hate crime charge. The purpose of this legislation appears to be increasing transparency in prosecutorial decision-making and ensuring that potential gender-based motivations for crimes are carefully considered. The bill will go into effect 90 days after it becomes law, giving prosecutors and courts time to prepare for the new reporting requirement.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6176