Bill > A07236

This bill establishes three new criminal offenses in the New York Penal Law related to political coercion: political coercion in the second degree, political coercion in the first degree, and accomplice to political coercion. The second-degree offense occurs when a public servant, for political, publicity, or personal gain, transports another person into the state through various coercive means, such as making false statements, withholding documents, removing asylum seekers, or using threats involving benefits, criminal charges, immigration status, or official duties. The first-degree offense is charged when the perpetrator has previously committed second-degree political coercion or when the victim suffers serious bodily injury or death during transport. The accomplice offense applies to individuals who advance, attempt to advance, profit from, or attempt to profit from the political coercion, regardless of whether they are a public figure. The bill specifies that the person transported cannot be considered an accomplice. These offenses are classified as class D felonies (second-degree and accomplice) or a class C felony (first-degree), with the law taking effect 30 days after becoming law. The bill aims to protect individuals from being manipulated or coerced into being transported across state lines through deceptive or threatening means.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7236