New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04463

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Makes it a class B violent felony to fire a gun into a crowded space with the intent to harm or absent the intent to harm when such an act creates a great risk of death to one or more people within the crowded space; establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.

Summary

Bill A04463 amends the penal law to establish the crime of 'criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.' This crime is defined as firing a firearm into a crowded area, either with the intent to cause physical injury or in a manner that creates a significant risk of death to individuals present. The bill classifies this offense as a Class B violent felony, which carries a minimum sentence of twenty years for conviction. Furthermore, the bill modifies existing penalties for Class B felonies to reflect this new classification.

Impact

The introduction of this bill will enhance the penalties associated with firearm-related offenses, specifically targeting reckless behavior that endangers public safety in crowded areas. By categorizing the act of firing into a crowded space as a Class B felony, it aligns with other serious violent crimes, thus potentially leading to longer prison sentences for offenders. This change aims to deter such reckless actions and improve public safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04463 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses a critical public safety concern regarding gun violence in populated areas. However, there may be some opposition regarding the implications of increased penalties and the potential for overreach in enforcement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from civil liberties advocates who argue that the bill could lead to disproportionate sentencing for individuals who may not have intended to harm others but engaged in reckless behavior. Additionally, discussions may focus on the definitions of 'crowded space' and 'great risk,' as these terms could be interpreted variably in legal contexts, potentially affecting enforcement and prosecution.

Companion Bills

NY S01304

Same As Makes it a class B violent felony to fire a gun into a crowded space with the intent to harm or absent the intent to harm when such an act creates a great risk of death to one or more people within the crowded space; establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.

Previously Filed As

NY A02929

Makes it a class B violent felony to fire a gun into a crowded space with the intent to harm or absent the intent to harm when such an act creates a great risk of death to one or more people within the crowded space; establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.

NY S01304

Makes it a class B violent felony to fire a gun into a crowded space with the intent to harm or absent the intent to harm when such an act creates a great risk of death to one or more people within the crowded space; establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.

NY S08873

Enacts the "first responders assault prevention act" which increases the offense classification for assault on a peace officer, police officer, firefighter or emergency medical services professional from a class C felony to a class B felony.

NY A09127

Includes aggravated threat of mass harm, making a threat of mass harm, aggravated harassment in the second degree, harassment in the first degree, menacing in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, menacing in the first degree, and aggravated harassment in the first degree in being eligible for bail; makes aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm eligible to be considered hate crimes; increases the penalties for aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm.

NY HB76

Creates the crime of felony intentional infection of a sexually transmitted disease (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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 S09064

Makes intentional damage to an authorized emergency vehicle a crime of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY S0892

Habitual Felony Offenders, Habitual Violent Felony Offenders, Three-time Violent Felony Offenders, and Violent Career Criminals

NY S07469

Criminalizes the harassment of a child when the perpetrator intentionally or knowingly harasses, annoys or alarms a child or a child's parent or guardian; establishes a private right of action for harassment of a child.

NY A08929

Repeals the crime of felony murder; permits vacating conviction and resentencing of defendants convicted of felony murder; requires reporting of certain crime statistics and information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.