Bill > A06706

This bill establishes two new criminal offenses in New York state law: harassment of a law enforcement officer or a member of their family in the first and second degrees. The first-degree harassment offense is a class E felony and occurs when someone intentionally communicates threats (via phone, computer, mail, or other means) to cause physical or property harm to a law enforcement officer or their family member, with the knowledge that such communication will cause reasonable fear. The second-degree harassment offense is a class B misdemeanor and includes physically striking or shoving an officer or family member, following them in a public place, or engaging in repeated acts that alarm or seriously annoy them without a legitimate purpose. The bill broadly defines "law enforcement officer" to include active and retired city, state, and federal officers, such as police, sheriffs, correctional officers, and others with arrest or enforcement duties. The law applies to threats or actions motivated by the victim's status as a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether the perception of their status is accurate, and aims to provide additional legal protection for law enforcement personnel and their families.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6706