New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00046

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Includes falsely reporting incidents in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of police officers to a particular address or location as a felony offense under the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree.

Summary

Bill S00046 amends the penal law of New York to classify the act of falsely reporting incidents with the intent to dispatch a large number of police officers to a specific location as a felony offense. This amendment specifically targets situations where individuals knowingly provide false information that could lead to public alarm or inconvenience, thereby enhancing the legal consequences for such actions. The bill aims to deter the misuse of emergency response resources and protect public safety by imposing stricter penalties for false reporting.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify Section 240.55 of the New York Penal Law, making it a class E felony to falsely report incidents with the intent to summon a significant police presence. This change could lead to increased legal repercussions for offenders and may also influence how law enforcement agencies respond to emergency calls, potentially leading to more rigorous investigations into the validity of reports made to them.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00046 appears to be supportive among its sponsors, who emphasize the need for accountability and the protection of police resources. However, there may be concerns from civil liberties advocates regarding the implications of broadening the definition of false reporting, particularly in how it may affect freedom of speech and the reporting of legitimate concerns.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for misuse of the law against individuals who report incidents in good faith but may be mistaken. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to over-policing and discourage people from reporting suspicious activities out of fear of legal repercussions. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the bill is necessary to prevent abuse of emergency services and ensure public safety.

Companion Bills

NY A01345

Same As Includes falsely reporting incidents in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of police officers to a particular address or location as a felony offense under the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree.

Previously Filed As

NY A02977

Includes falsely reporting incidents in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of police officers to a particular address or location as a felony offense under the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree.

NY A01345

Includes falsely reporting incidents in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of police officers to a particular address or location as a felony offense under the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree.

NY A09586

Adds falsely reporting the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as part of the crimes of falsely reporting an incident in the first and second degrees.

NY A09185

Includes communications generated using artificial intelligence in the definition of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.

NY S09236

Includes communications generated using artificial intelligence in the definition of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.

NY HB755

AN ACT relating to falsely reporting an incident.

NY A07215

Establishes the false reporting survivors act which establishes the crimes of aggravated falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, and third degrees when a person commits the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, or third degree and such person intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person because of a belief or perception regarding a person's race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or ethnicity; authorizes officers to arrest persons believed to have committed falsely reporting an incident without first obtaining a warrant; includes such falsely reporting as a hate crime; authorizes the law enforcement misconduct investigative office to receive and investigate complaints alleging falsely reporting an incident; establishes databases of law enforcement officers and persons convicted of falsely reporting; requires notifying persons of the termination of certain criminal actions or proceedings; relates to the statute of limitations for filing an action relating to falsely reporting.

NY A03621

Adds falsely reporting the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as part of the crimes of falsely reporting an incident in the first and second degrees.

NY S04776

Adds falsely reporting the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as part of the crimes of falsely reporting an incident in the first and second degrees.

NY S01772

Enacts the "New York accountability in reporting act"; establishes the crimes of offering a false report for filing in the second degree and offering a false report for filing in the first degree; includes falsely reporting an incident as a specified offense for the purposes of hate crimes; requires the creation of public databases for false reporting; provides for a civil remedy for convictions of such crimes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.