Bill > S07039

This bill establishes a new criminal offense under New York state law called "Assault of a patient in a mental health or developmental disability facility," which is classified as a Class C felony. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime for any person to intentionally cause physical injury to a patient who is residing in a facility operated, licensed, or certified by either the Office of Mental Health (OMH) or the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). A Class C felony is a serious criminal charge that typically carries a potential prison sentence of several years. The law is designed to provide additional legal protection for vulnerable patients in mental health and developmental disability facilities by creating a specific criminal charge that addresses intentional physical assaults against these individuals. The bill will take effect on the first day of November following its passage into law, allowing time for law enforcement and judicial systems to prepare for implementing the new statute.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7039