New York Assembly Bill A04817

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes the crime of making a terroristic threat against a police officer; makes such crime a class C felony.

Summary

Bill A04817 seeks to amend the penal law by establishing a new crime specifically targeting threats made against police officers. The bill introduces a new section, 490.21, which defines the crime of making a terroristic threat against a police officer. Under this provision, a person would be guilty of this crime if they threaten to commit a specified offense against a police officer with the intent to intimidate or coerce the public or influence government policy. The bill categorizes this offense as a class C felony, which carries significant legal consequences.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would add a new layer of protection for police officers by criminalizing threats made against them. It would modify existing penal law to include specific provisions for threats directed at law enforcement, thereby potentially increasing penalties for individuals who engage in such behavior. The introduction of this crime could lead to more prosecutions for threats against police officers, impacting the overall legal landscape regarding law enforcement safety and public discourse.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04817 appears to be supportive among law enforcement advocates who argue that it is necessary to protect police officers from intimidation and threats. However, there may be concerns from civil liberties groups regarding the potential for overreach and the implications for free speech, as the bill does not require intent or capability to carry out the threat as a defense.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting law enforcement and preserving civil liberties. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may argue that the bill could lead to misuse or overcriminalization of speech, particularly in politically charged environments. Others may raise concerns about the definitions of 'terroristic threat' and whether they could be applied too broadly, potentially infringing on free speech rights.