Bill > A08618

This bill creates a new criminal offense of defacement or damage of fine art or historical monuments in New York state law. The bill defines a "historical monument" as any object, site, building, or structure with historical significance, including statues, relics, artifacts, plaques, and buildings. A person commits this crime if they intentionally damage, deface, destroy, or alter a work of fine art or a historical monument without having the right to do so. The offense is classified as a class C felony, which means a conviction could result in imprisonment. The bill mandates that upon conviction, a person must serve a minimum of three to five years in prison. Additionally, the court will require the offender to pay full reparations for the damage, as determined by a professionally accredited appraiser. The bill also amends existing criminal procedure laws to make this offense bail-eligible, meaning that individuals charged with this crime can be held in custody before trial under certain circumstances. This legislation appears to be aimed at protecting cultural and historical artifacts from intentional destruction or vandalism.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8618