Bill > S07301

This bill creates a new criminal offense in New York's penal law called "desecration of property commemorating a historical figure," which would be classified as a class C felony. Specifically, the law would make it a crime to intentionally damage or steal property related to a person of historical or cultural significance, such as commemorative monuments, markers, or street signs, when the person doing so has no legal right to do so. A class C felony is a serious criminal charge that typically carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. The bill is designed to protect memorials, markers, and other physical tributes to historically important individuals by creating legal consequences for those who would deliberately damage or steal such property. The new law would go into effect on November 1st following its passage, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new criminal statute.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7301