Bill > S07517

This bill modifies existing laws related to theft of transportation services by removing specific references to railroad, subway, and bus services from the definition of theft of services, and introducing a new option for certain offenders to perform community service instead of paying a civil penalty. Specifically, the bill amends the penal law to broaden the language around transportation service theft, removing explicit mentions of specific transit modes while maintaining the core prohibition on obtaining services without payment. Additionally, the bill allows transit authorities to offer community service as an alternative to civil penalties for minors or individuals with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. This change provides more flexible enforcement options for transit authorities and potentially offers a more rehabilitative approach for low-income or young offenders who might otherwise face financial penalties for transit service infractions. The modifications aim to provide more discretion in handling minor transit service violations while preserving the fundamental legal prohibition against avoiding transportation service payments.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7517