Bill > S08579

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to elevate assault against an employee of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to a class D felony. Specifically, the bill adds parks and recreation employees to the list of protected workers who, if intentionally prevented from performing a lawful duty through means such as releasing or failing to control an animal, would make the assault a more serious criminal offense. The bill modifies existing language to include "an employee of the New York city department of parks and recreation" alongside other protected professionals like peace officers, nurses, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. This change means that if someone intentionally causes physical injury to a parks and recreation employee while attempting to stop them from performing their official duties, they would be subject to more severe criminal penalties. The amendment provides additional legal protection for parks and recreation workers by classifying attacks against them as a more serious felony offense. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8579