New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00717

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes that a person is guilty of arson when such person damages a building or motor vehicle by fire or explosion in the course of the commission or attempted commission of a felony.

Summary

Bill A00717 seeks to amend the New York Penal Law to establish that a person can be found guilty of arson if they damage a building or motor vehicle by fire or explosion while committing or attempting to commit a felony related to controlled substances. The bill modifies the definitions of arson in both the fourth and third degrees, specifically addressing the circumstances under which such damage occurs during the commission of a felony. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability for individuals whose criminal actions result in significant property damage through fire or explosions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would strengthen the legal framework surrounding arson offenses in New York, particularly in relation to drug-related felonies. It would clarify the circumstances under which individuals can be charged with arson, potentially leading to increased penalties for those who engage in such behavior while committing other felonies. The amendments would also impact the interpretation of affirmative defenses in arson cases, possibly affecting the outcomes of future prosecutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00717 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers who recognize the need for stricter penalties for arson linked to drug offenses. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications for defendants' rights and the potential for harsher sentencing, which could lead to debates about fairness in the legal system.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the amendments to the affirmative defenses available to defendants charged with arson. Critics may argue that the changes could undermine the rights of individuals accused of arson, particularly in cases where the intent or circumstances are complex. Supporters of the bill, however, may contend that the changes are necessary to deter dangerous behavior associated with drug-related crimes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S01004

Establishes that a person is guilty of arson when he damages a building or motor vehicle by fire or explosion in the course of the commission or attempted commission of a felony.

NY A02008

Establishes that a person is guilty of arson when he damages a building or motor vehicle by fire or explosion in the course of the commission or attempted commission of a felony.

NY S06565

Establishes a person is guilty of arson in the first degree when such person intentionally damages a building or motor vehicle by causing an explosion or a fire and when such explosion or fire is accelerated by use of ignitable liquid or flammable gas.

NY A11053

Provides that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury to another person causes physical injury to another person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit; provides that a person is guilty of assault in the first degree when with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person such person causes such injury to such other person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit.

NY S09229

Authorizes bail and pre-trial detention for all arson felonies.

NY HB2895

Relating to the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to the commission or attempted commission of a violent felony.

NY SB1601

Relating to the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to the commission or attempted commission of a violent felony.

NY HB1528

Arson and endangering by fire or explosion; and to provide a penalty.

NY SB00407

An Act Authorizing The Commissioner Of Motor Vehicles To Issue Permits Allowing Organ Transport Vehicles To Use Certain Lights.

NY A07215

Establishes the false reporting survivors act which establishes the crimes of aggravated falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, and third degrees when a person commits the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, or third degree and such person intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person because of a belief or perception regarding a person's race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or ethnicity; authorizes officers to arrest persons believed to have committed falsely reporting an incident without first obtaining a warrant; includes such falsely reporting as a hate crime; authorizes the law enforcement misconduct investigative office to receive and investigate complaints alleging falsely reporting an incident; establishes databases of law enforcement officers and persons convicted of falsely reporting; requires notifying persons of the termination of certain criminal actions or proceedings; relates to the statute of limitations for filing an action relating to falsely reporting.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.