Establishes the offense of obstructing a police officer.
A03329 would create a new crime in the New York Penal Law called “obstructing a police officer.” Under the bill, a person would be guilty if they intentionally interfere with, inhibit, or attempt to interfere with a police officer or peace officer while the officer is performing official duties. The bill specifically identifies conduct such as spitting, throwing or spilling items or liquids on an officer, and pushing, shoving, kicking, physically impeding, or otherwise making physical contact with an officer.
The offense would be classified as a class E felony, which is a significant criminal penalty under New York law. The bill would take effect 30 days after becoming law and would add a new section 195.09 to the Penal Law. Its practical effect would be to give prosecutors a distinct felony charge for certain forms of interference with law enforcement, separate from existing offenses that may already cover assault, harassment, or obstruction-related conduct.
If enacted, the bill would amend the New York Penal Law by creating a new felony offense and expanding the state’s criminal code to specifically address interference with police and peace officers. It would affect individuals accused of physically interfering with officers during the performance of their duties, and it would give law enforcement and prosecutors an additional charging option in cases involving spitting, throwing substances, or physical obstruction. The measure could also affect how courts distinguish between lesser offenses and felony-level conduct involving contact with officers.
The available voting history suggests the bill has generated support within the Assembly Codes Committee, but not unanimous support. In the committee vote on April 21, 2026, the bill was held for consideration by a 14-6 vote, indicating that a majority of committee members were willing to advance or continue reviewing the measure, while a substantial minority opposed or had reservations. No transcript excerpts were provided, so the record does not show detailed floor or committee debate, but the vote pattern suggests the bill is viewed as a serious public-safety measure by supporters and as potentially overbroad or unnecessary by opponents.
The main point of contention is likely whether New York needs a separate felony offense for conduct already covered by existing assault, harassment, resisting arrest, or obstruction statutes. Supporters appear to favor a stronger, more specific penalty for intentional interference with police officers, especially conduct involving spitting or physical contact. Opponents may be concerned that the bill could sweep in a broad range of protest, protest-adjacent, or low-level physical conduct and elevate it to a felony, increasing criminal penalties and prosecutorial discretion. The committee split reflects that the proposal is not universally accepted, even though it has support from a majority of the committee.