New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06597

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  

Caption

Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving threats of mass harm against a school district, school, school staff or a student.

Summary

Bill A06597 seeks to amend the criminal procedure law in New York to authorize the imposition of bail for specific offenses related to threats of mass harm directed at school districts, schools, school staff, or students. The bill introduces a new provision that includes aggravated harassment and various forms of making threats of mass harm as offenses for which bail may be set, thereby expanding the circumstances under which bail can be denied. This change aims to enhance the safety of educational environments by ensuring that individuals accused of serious threats against schools can be held accountable through the bail system.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify existing laws concerning bail eligibility for certain crimes, particularly those involving threats to educational institutions. It will specifically allow for bail to be set for offenses that currently may not have been eligible for such measures, thereby potentially increasing the number of individuals who are held in custody pending trial for these types of threats. This could lead to a significant shift in how cases involving threats against schools are handled within the criminal justice system.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A06597 appears to be supportive among those prioritizing school safety and the need for stricter measures against threats of violence in educational settings. However, there may be concerns from civil liberties advocates regarding the implications of expanding bail conditions and the potential for disproportionate impacts on certain populations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting individual rights. Critics may argue that imposing bail for these offenses could lead to unjust outcomes, particularly for individuals who may be falsely accused or who pose no real threat. Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the necessity of taking threats against schools seriously and ensuring that those who make such threats are held accountable.

Companion Bills

NY S06366

Same As Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving threats of mass harm against a school district, school, school staff or a student.

NY S08163

Same As Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving threats of mass harm against a school district, school, school staff or a student.

Previously Filed As

NY S08163

Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving threats of mass harm against a school district, school, school staff or a student.

NY S06366

Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving threats of mass harm against a school district, school, school staff or a student.

NY S07126

Authorizes the imposition of bail for certain offenses involving the sale or possession with intent to sell of a controlled substance or a synthetic opioid.

NY HB4996

Relating to bail in cases involving terroristic threats to schools or children

NY SB758

Providing extra state aid to school districts for students enrolled in certain schools

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 SB1538

Relating to conduct of public education; and prescribing an effective date.

NY SB788

Students; creating the Students' Bill of Rights; affording certain rights to students enrolled in public school districts or public charter schools. Effective date. Emergency.

NY SB788

Students; creating the Students' Bill of Rights; affording certain rights to students enrolled in public school districts or public charter schools. Effective date. Emergency.

NY HB2448

Authorizes the establishment of charter schools in school districts in Cass County

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.