New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05637

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  

Caption

Expands juvenile offender status to include rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree and aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree if committed by persons thirteen, fourteen or fifteen years of age.

Summary

Bill A05637 seeks to amend New York's criminal procedure law, penal law, and family court act to expand the definition of 'juvenile offender' to include individuals aged thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen who commit certain serious sex offenses. Specifically, the bill includes offenses such as rape in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first and second degrees, and other sexually motivated felonies. The bill aims to clarify the legal status of young offenders in relation to severe crimes, allowing for more stringent legal consequences for these actions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape for juvenile offenders in New York. It would allow for the prosecution of younger individuals for serious sex offenses under the same framework as older juveniles, potentially leading to harsher penalties and a shift in how juvenile justice is administered. This change could also affect the resources allocated to juvenile rehabilitation and the overall approach to handling juvenile crime in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05637 appears to be mixed, with some stakeholders expressing concern over the implications of prosecuting younger individuals for serious crimes. Proponents argue that it is necessary to hold young offenders accountable for severe actions, while opponents worry about the potential for negative long-term impacts on the lives of these young individuals and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the appropriateness of holding younger individuals criminally responsible for such serious offenses and the potential consequences for their futures. Advocates for juvenile justice reform argue that this bill could lead to increased incarceration rates for young people and hinder their rehabilitation, while supporters of the bill emphasize the need for accountability in the face of serious crimes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A02684

Expands juvenile offender status to include rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree and aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree if committed by persons thirteen, fourteen or fifteen years of age.

NY A09129

Requires lifetime post-release supervision for offenders convicted of rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, course of sexual conduct against a child in the first and second degrees or sexual abuse in the first degree when the other person is less than eleven years old; prohibits good behavior allowances against a determinate sentence for a person convicted of any such crimes.

NY S01933

Provides that being eighteen years old or more, while in the course of committing rape in the first, second or third degree, criminal sexual act in the first, second or third degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first, second, third or fourth degree, or incest in the first, second or third degree, against a person less than eighteen years old, such defendant intentionally causes the death of such person.

NY A05783

Provides that being eighteen years old or more, while in the course of committing rape in the first, second or third degree, criminal sexual act in the first, second or third degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first, second, third or fourth degree, or incest in the first, second or third degree, against a person less than eighteen years old, such defendant intentionally causes the death of such person.

NY S03578

Repeals provisions relating to aggravated sexual abuse in the fourth degree; expands the definition of aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree to include intentional touching, for no legitimate purpose, of certain sexual or other intimate parts of a person under the age of thirteen for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person, or for the purpose of gratifying the actor's sexual desire.

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 HB41

Crimes and offenses; rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture, penalties further provided for

NY SB17

Crimes and offenses; rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture, penalties further provided for

NY S09410

Relates to the resentencing of certain juvenile and adolescent offenders who were convicted prior to October 1, 2018 for offenses not including, rape, sexual assault, murder in the first degree or aggravated murder.

NY A01802

Relates to removing the requirement that physical injury be caused under the crimes of aggravated sexual abuse in the third and fourth degrees.

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