Bill > A07327

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to make menacing and stalking qualifying offenses for bail determination purposes. Specifically, the legislation adds crimes of menacing (under Penal Law sections 120.13, 120.14, and 120.15) and stalking (under sections 120.45, 120.50, 120.55, and 120.60) as offenses that can affect a defendant's bail eligibility. The bill modifies existing law to include these specific crimes as factors that courts can consider when setting bail, expanding the circumstances under which a defendant might be held in custody before trial. Additionally, the bill updates language related to criminal contempt charges, particularly when the protected party is a victim of menacing or stalking. The changes are part of ongoing efforts to refine New York's bail reform laws, providing judges with more discretion in cases involving specific types of potentially threatening behavior. The modifications apply to both bail considerations at initial arraignment (section 510.10) and during subsequent court proceedings (section 530.40), and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7327