New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07436

Introduced
3/27/25  
Refer
3/27/25  

Caption

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

Summary

Bill A07436 amends the New York Penal Law to define harassment in the first degree specifically in relation to school employees. It establishes that a person can be charged with harassment in the first degree, classified as a class B misdemeanor, if they strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject a school employee to physical contact, or attempt or threaten to do so, while the employee is performing their duties. The bill aims to enhance protections for school employees against physical harassment in the workplace.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would strengthen legal protections for school employees in New York by explicitly categorizing certain aggressive behaviors towards them as a criminal offense. This amendment to the penal law would create a clearer legal framework for prosecuting individuals who engage in such harassment, thereby potentially reducing incidents of violence and intimidation in educational environments. It may also lead to increased awareness and training regarding the treatment of school employees.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A07436 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to protect school employees who are often vulnerable to harassment in their work environment. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of defining harassment in such specific terms, particularly regarding the potential for misuse of the law or overreach in enforcement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from discussions about the definitions of harassment and the potential impact on student behavior and disciplinary actions. Some may argue that the bill could lead to excessive criminalization of student behavior, while others may emphasize the need for strong protections for school employees against violence and harassment. Stakeholders such as educators, parents, and legal experts may hold differing views on the balance between student rights and employee safety.

Companion Bills

NY S01611

Same As Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

Previously Filed As

NY S01611

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

NY A02007

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when he or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of his or her duties as a school employee.

NY HB3991

Relating to misconduct by public school employees and to persons who must be listed in the registry of persons not eligible for employment in public schools.

NY A03282

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY S06045

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY A08132

Defines temporary total disability as the injured employee's inability to perform such employee's pre-injury employment duties or any modified employment offered by the employer that is consistent with such employee's disability.

NY H7768

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

NY S3200

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

NY A11053

Provides that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury to another person causes physical injury to another person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit; provides that a person is guilty of assault in the first degree when with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person such person causes such injury to such other person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit.

NY S0127

Requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every 120 days, a list of all their employees in their union, as well as their personal and demographic information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.