New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04337

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

Summary

Bill A04337 proposes to amend the penal law by creating a new crime termed 'aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer.' This crime would apply to individuals who knowingly report false or baseless accusations against law enforcement officers regarding their duties. If convicted, the offense would be classified as a class D felony. The bill also includes amendments to the criminal procedure law, specifically regarding the conditions under which a defendant may be released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions when charged with certain crimes, including this new offense.

Impact

The introduction of this bill would establish a new legal framework for addressing false accusations against police officers, potentially leading to increased legal consequences for individuals who report such accusations knowingly. This could impact the way law enforcement agencies handle complaints and could deter individuals from making false reports. Additionally, the amendments to the criminal procedure law may alter the conditions under which defendants are released, thereby affecting the judicial process and the rights of the accused.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A04337 appears to be mixed, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect police officers from false accusations that can damage their reputations and careers. Critics, however, express concern that the bill may discourage legitimate complaints against police misconduct and could be used to intimidate individuals who wish to report wrongdoing.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting police officers from false accusations and ensuring that individuals can report police misconduct without fear of legal repercussions. Supporters of the bill, primarily from law enforcement advocacy groups, argue for the need to safeguard officers' integrity, while civil rights advocates warn that the bill could suppress legitimate claims of police misconduct and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Companion Bills

NY S00175

Same As Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

Previously Filed As

NY S00175

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

NY S00082

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, he or she reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of his or her duties; requires the posting of bail.

NY A02069

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a peace officer or police officer for knowingly reporting false or baseless information relating to wrongdoing by a police or peace officer to a law enforcement agency; creates a private right of action for damages.

NY A02481

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a peace officer or police officer for knowingly reporting false or baseless information relating to wrongdoing by a police or peace officer to a law enforcement agency; creates a private right of action for damages.

NY S05732

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a peace officer or police officer for knowingly reporting false or baseless information relating to wrongdoing by a police or peace officer to a law enforcement agency; creates a private right of action for damages.

NY S3683

Establishes crime of knowingly filing false report against law enforcement officers.

NY A08994

Requires police and peace officers receive a lawful order before assisting with immigration enforcement; requires federal agents identify themselves at the request of public officers, police officers or peace officers; establishes penalties for federal agents who fail to identify themselves.

NY A11083

Establishes hate crimes against police officers; defines such crimes as committing murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, or murder in the second degree against a police officer and the victim is chosen because they are a police officer.

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.

NY A03988

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.