New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07865

Introduced
4/11/25  
Refer
4/11/25  

Caption

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

Summary

Bill A07865 amends the penal law regarding criminal mischief in the third degree. It establishes that a person can be found guilty of this offense if they intentionally damage another person's property to promote or suppress a political ideology, or as an expression of political ideology. This addition aims to address the intersection of property damage and political expression, potentially providing a legal framework for prosecuting acts that are politically motivated.

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws on criminal mischief by explicitly including politically motivated property damage as a prosecutable offense. This change could lead to increased legal scrutiny and potential penalties for individuals whose actions are deemed to be politically motivated, thereby impacting how law enforcement and the judiciary handle cases involving property damage linked to political expression.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A07865 appears to be mixed, with some supporting the need for clear legal definitions regarding politically motivated actions, while others express concern over potential implications for free speech and political expression. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of support or opposition.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the bill's potential to infringe on free speech rights and the subjective nature of determining what constitutes political expression. Critics argue that the law could be misused to suppress legitimate political dissent, while supporters believe it is necessary to protect property rights against politically motivated vandalism.

Companion Bills

NY S07271

Same As Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

Previously Filed As

NY S07271

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

NY HB3139

Schools; Safeguarding Personal Expression At K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act; prohibiting certain student religious, political, or ideological discrimination by schools; legal remedies; state waiver of immunity; emergency.

NY SB909

Renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act" and creates provisions safeguarding students' political and ideological expression at public schools

NY A06704

Adds damaging property of another person when that property is an American flag to the definition of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY HB2682

Renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act" and creates provisions safeguarding students' political and ideological expression at public schools

NY S09064

Makes intentional damage to an authorized emergency vehicle a crime of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY HB2796

Politically engaged persons; criminal charges

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 A10473

Raises the monetary value of damaged property that is considered criminal mischief or securities fraud.

NY A03401

Modifies the crime of criminal solicitation in the third degree; provides that a person is guilty of criminal solicitation in the third degree when such person, being over eighteen years of age, with the intent that another person under eighteen years of age engage in conduct that would constitute certain crimes, intentionally provides a loaded firearm to such other person.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.