New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03117

Introduced
1/23/25  
Refer
1/23/25  

Caption

Provides additional protections at reproductive health clinics; prohibits interference with phone lines, the release of offensive odors, and noises intended to jeopardize the health of persons receiving reproductive health services or to interfere with the safe and effective delivery of such services.

Summary

Bill A03117 seeks to amend the penal law in New York to enhance protections for reproductive health clinics. It introduces new provisions that criminalize specific disruptive behaviors, such as making repeated phone calls to impede access, releasing noxious odors, and making noise intended to jeopardize the health of individuals receiving services at these facilities. The bill aims to ensure that reproductive health services can be delivered safely and effectively without interference from external disruptive actions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing penal laws related to health care facilities, specifically targeting reproductive health clinics. It would create new offenses related to interference and disruption, which could lead to increased penalties for individuals who engage in such behaviors. This change is expected to provide a safer environment for patients and staff at reproductive health facilities, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting access to reproductive health services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03117 appears to be supportive among advocates for reproductive rights, who view it as a necessary measure to protect patients and healthcare providers from harassment and disruption. However, there may be opposition from groups that advocate for free speech and protest rights, raising concerns about the potential implications for lawful protests or demonstrations near these facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting reproductive health services and ensuring the right to free speech. Opponents may argue that the bill could infringe upon individuals' rights to protest against practices they oppose, while supporters assert that the bill is essential for safeguarding the health and safety of patients and staff at reproductive clinics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A01295

Provides additional protections at reproductive health clinics; prohibits interference with phone lines, the release of offensive odors, and noises intended to jeopardize the health of persons receiving reproductive health services or to interfere with the safe and effective delivery of such services.

NY A09227

Relates to the definition of "reproductive health services" for purposes of the offense of criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the second degree; defines "legally protected health activity"; increases the penalties for the criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the first and second degrees, and for aggravated interference with health care services in the second degree.

NY S08713

Relates to the definition of "reproductive health services" for purposes of the offense of criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the second degree; defines "legally protected health activity"; increases the penalties for the criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the first and second degrees, and for aggravated interference with health care services in the second degree.

NY S08599

Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate twenty-five feet outside of reproductive health care facilities and places of religious worship.

NY A09335

Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate twenty-five feet outside of reproductive health care facilities and places of religious worship.

NY HB62

Safeguard Healthcare Industry Employees from Litigation and Distress Act or the SHIELD Act This bill establishes a framework to limit interference with persons seeking to provide or access reproductive health services at the state level. For the purposes of this summary, interference with persons seeking to provide or access reproductive health services includes acts to prevent, restrict, impede, or retaliate against a health care provider who provides reproductive health care services, any person or entity who helps health care providers to provide such services, any person who seeks to access such services, or any person or entity who helps another person to access such services. First, the bill reduces the allocation of funds under certain law enforcement grant programs for a state that has in effect a law authorizing state or local officers or employees to interfere with persons seeking to provide or access reproductive health services. Second, the bill prohibits interference with persons seeking to provide or access reproductive health care services by state or local officers or employees acting under color of law in any manner that would have a discriminatory effect on a woman, and by persons who are not state or local officers or employees and are attempting to implement or enforce a state law in circumstances affecting interstate commerce. The bill authorizes civil remedies for a violation, including damages and injunctive relief. Additionally, it authorizes criminal penalties for a violation involving the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon or the infliction of bodily injury.

NY SB551

relative to legal protections for legal reproductive health care services.

NY S2260

Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other states.

NY A2218

Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other states.*

NY HJR25

Relating to the right to reproductive freedom with protections for health and safety

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.