New York Assembly Bill A07715

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes the crime of criminally negligent use of real property; establishes that the commission of such crime shall constitute a class A misdemeanor.

Summary

This bill would add a new crime to the Penal Law called “criminally negligent use of real property.” It would apply to an owner or lessor who leases or gives possession of real property to another person and then permits unlawful use or occupancy of that property. The bill defines “permits” to include actual knowledge of the unlawful use or occupancy, or knowledge that the lessee or occupant has been convicted within the prior year of two or more offenses related to unlawful use or occupancy of property. The bill specifies that unlawful use or occupancy includes, but is not limited to, unsanctioned gambling, combative sports, and organized entertainment events, including events that serve and charge for alcoholic beverages. A violation would be a class A misdemeanor, and the act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend the New York Penal Law by creating a new misdemeanor offense for property owners and lessors who knowingly allow certain unlawful activities on leased or occupied premises. It would expand potential criminal liability for landlords and other property owners, and could affect how real property is rented, monitored, and enforced against tenants or occupants engaged in unauthorized gambling, fighting events, or similar entertainment gatherings. The measure would also give prosecutors a new statutory basis to charge owners or lessors in cases involving repeated unlawful use of property.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of committee debate or recorded votes, the available record shows no documented public sentiment from hearings or floor action. The bill’s framing suggests a law-and-order approach aimed at curbing illegal commercial or event activity on private property, which may appeal to supporters concerned about nuisance properties and unlicensed operations. At the same time, the lack of discussion leaves unclear whether there was organized support or opposition in committee.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the scope of liability imposed on property owners and lessors. The bill reaches beyond direct participants in illegal activity and criminalizes a property owner’s conduct when they “permit” unlawful use or occupancy, including through knowledge of prior convictions by tenants or occupants. Potential concerns include whether the knowledge standard is too broad, whether the listed examples are sufficiently precise, and whether the law could sweep in owners who have limited practical ability to control tenant conduct. Another likely issue is the inclusion of “organized entertainment events” and alcohol-related events, which could raise questions about overbreadth and enforcement discretion.