Bill > A09394

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to add employees of secure or limited secure residential facilities licensed, certified, or operated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to the list of public employees who are specifically protected under assault in the second-degree statutes. Currently, the law provides enhanced legal protection for various public employees such as police officers, firefighters, nurses, and transit workers, making it a more serious crime to intentionally prevent these workers from performing their lawful duties. The bill expands this protection to include OCFS residential facility employees, recognizing the potentially dangerous situations they might encounter while working with vulnerable populations. By adding these employees to the list, the legislation ensures that anyone who intentionally prevents an OCFS residential facility employee from performing their duties and causes physical injury can be charged with assault in the second degree, which is a more serious criminal offense compared to standard assault charges. The amendment takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9394