Bill > S07355

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to explicitly include social workers in the existing statute that criminalizes assault on certain professionals performing their lawful duties. Specifically, the bill expands the current law, which already covers peace officers, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals, to now include social workers. Under this legislation, if someone intentionally causes serious physical injury to a social worker while attempting to prevent them from performing their lawful duty, that person would be guilty of a class C felony. The bill adds social workers to the list of protected professionals and ensures that individuals who assault social workers with the intent to obstruct their work can be charged with a felony offense. The amendment aims to provide additional legal protection for social workers who may encounter dangerous situations while carrying out their professional responsibilities. The bill is set to take effect on the first of November following its passage into law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7355