New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05317

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

Requires the safe removal of icicles from buildings abutting paved sidewalks and creates civil and criminal penalties appertaining thereto.

Summary

Bill A05317 mandates that property owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of buildings adjacent to paved sidewalks must remove icicles that form on their buildings within three days. The bill aims to enhance public safety by preventing potential injuries or property damage caused by falling icicles. It establishes a clear responsibility for maintaining safe access to sidewalks and entranceways during winter conditions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the penal law of New York by introducing new regulations regarding icicle removal. It will impose civil penalties for non-compliance, starting at $300 for the first violation, escalating to criminal penalties for repeated offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies for severe violations. This change will affect property owners and tenants, placing a legal obligation on them to ensure the safety of public pathways adjacent to their properties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05317 appears to be mixed, with proponents emphasizing the importance of public safety and the prevention of injuries during winter months. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of compliance and the potential for penalties, particularly among property owners who may find the requirements burdensome.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the practicality of enforcing the icicle removal requirement, especially for larger buildings or those with difficult access. Some stakeholders may argue that the penalties are too harsh, particularly for first-time offenses, while others may feel that the bill does not go far enough in ensuring public safety. Discussions may also arise regarding the definition of 'commonly used pathways' and who is ultimately responsible for compliance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY HF2580

Removal and disposal of abandoned boats required, and criminal and civil penalties provided.

NY A10215

Relates to street cleanliness and snow removal requirements for city concessionaires, franchises and for revocable consents; requires every person in charge of a permanent or semi-permanent structure installed or placed upon a sidewalk, street, alley, park, highway, or right of way pursuant to a concession or franchise agreement or revocable consent with the city of New York shall keep and cause to be kept the sidewalk, flagging and curbstone abutting said structure free from obstruction and nuisances of every kind, and shall keep said sidewalks, flagging and curbstones free from garbage, refuse, rubbish, litter, debris and other offensive material; provides penalties for failure to remove rubbish, snow or ice, dirt or other materials.

NY A11323

Establishes the crime of benefiting from a labor trafficking venture, benefiting from a sex trafficking venture; creates a civil action relating thereto; and revives certain civil actions relating thereto

NY HB261329

Concerning criminalizing certain motor vehicle activities, and, in connection therewith, criminalizing and creating penalties for motor vehicle racing, street takeovers, and stunt driving.

NY A4849

Creates civil and criminal penalties for invasive grooming of vulnerable adults.

NY SB1938

Vaccines; creating the Oklahoma DNA/RNA-Based Vaccine Safety and Sovereignty Act; providing certain civil and criminal penalties. Effective date.

NY SB520

Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly, providing criminal penalties therefor and providing for a civil cause of action for damages.

NY A09141

Provides that a town may not direct abutting property owners to maintain sidewalks which abut county highways or which are not directly accessible from such owner's property.

NY A02533

Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.

NY S09773

Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.