New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00222

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Provides that it shall be a class C felony to subject another person to physical contact that results in such person falling onto subway tracks.

Summary

Bill S00222, known as the 'Straphanger Protection Act,' aims to amend New York's penal law by introducing a new section that specifically criminalizes assault on individuals using public transportation, particularly those who are at risk of falling onto subway tracks. The bill defines 'assault on a straphanger' as any act of physical contact, such as striking, shoving, or kicking, that results in a person falling onto the subway tracks. This offense is categorized as a class C felony, which carries significant legal penalties.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would enhance the legal protections for public transportation users in New York by establishing a specific felony charge for assaults that endanger individuals on subway platforms. It would also necessitate amendments to existing penal law provisions to include this new category of assault, thereby potentially increasing the accountability of offenders and deterring violent behavior in public transit areas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00222 appears to be supportive among its sponsors and advocates, who emphasize the need for increased safety measures for subway riders. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of defining such specific offenses and the potential for increased legal burdens on the judicial system.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the definition of what constitutes 'assault on a straphanger' and the potential for misuse of the law. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to overcriminalization of minor incidents or that it does not adequately address the root causes of violence in public transportation. The balance between enhancing safety and ensuring fair legal processes will likely be a topic of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S03154

Provides that it shall be a class C felony to subject another person to physical contact that results in such person falling onto subway tracks.

NY S08873

Enacts the "first responders assault prevention act" which increases the offense classification for assault on a peace officer, police officer, firefighter or emergency medical services professional from a class C felony to a class B felony.

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 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.

ID H0125

Amends existing law to provide a penalty for a riot that results in physical injury to a person.

RI S3164

Makes assault on a railroad worker resulting in personal injury a felony.

RI H8432

Makes assault on a railroad worker resulting in personal injury a felony.

NY S10104

Includes offenses involving situations where a person physically harms another or engages in conduct that results in an unacceptable level of danger as qualifying offenses for the purpose of allowing a principal to be eligible to be held on bail; requires the Office of Court Administration, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, to manage an electronic tracking system maintaining a record of all bail decisions and to deliver a report to the legislature.

NY S10511

Enacts the "Bryant Ortiz act"; establishes the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle resulting in death when such person operates a motor vehicle upon a public highway without a valid license or in violation of the conditions of a learner's permit or any other limited driving privilege, including conditional and restricted use licenses, and in the course of such unlawful operation commits a traffic infraction or engages in negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and such operation results in the death of another person; makes it a class E felony.

WI AB1210

Reducing maximum imprisonment period for felonies that are classified as Class A to Class H and providing a penalty. (FE)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.