New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05232

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  

Caption

Provides that anyone who directs, hires, requests, encourages, orchestrates or invites another individual to cause a collision involving a motor vehicle shall be guilty of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree.

Summary

Bill S05232 amends the penal law of New York to expand the definition of the crime of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree. The bill specifically adds provisions that make it a crime for a person to direct, hire, request, encourage, orchestrate, or invite another individual to cause a motor vehicle collision, with the intent to commit a fraudulent insurance act. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding insurance fraud related to staged accidents.

Impact

The impact of this bill on state laws includes the classification of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree as a class E felony. This amendment is expected to enhance law enforcement's ability to prosecute individuals involved in orchestrating such fraudulent activities, thereby potentially reducing instances of insurance fraud and protecting consumers from increased insurance premiums resulting from these crimes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S05232 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a significant issue related to insurance fraud. However, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of the new provisions and the potential for overreach in prosecuting individuals who may not have direct involvement in staging accidents.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the definitions of intent and involvement in staging an accident. Critics may argue that the language could lead to misinterpretations or unjust prosecutions of individuals who are not directly responsible for orchestrating such incidents. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the necessity of these measures to combat insurance fraud effectively.

Companion Bills

NY A03851

Same As Provides that anyone who directs, hires, requests, encourages, orchestrates or invites another individual to cause a collision involving a motor vehicle shall be guilty of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree.

Previously Filed As

NY A03851

Provides that anyone who directs, hires, requests, encourages, orchestrates or invites another individual to cause a collision involving a motor vehicle shall be guilty of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree.

MA S1036

Relative to liability for accidents and collisions with vulnerable road users involving large motor vehicles and trailers

NJ S1426

Provides that leaving scene of motor vehicle accident is crime of first degree if accident results in death of another person.

MD HB594

Civil Actions - Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Vulnerable Individuals - Comparative Negligence

MD HB466

Civil Actions - Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Vulnerable Individuals - Comparative Negligence

MD HB0466

Civil Actions - Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Vulnerable Individuals - Comparative Negligence

NY S10423

Enacts Alexa and Lindsey's law; prohibits disabling safety features in motor vehicles; provides enhanced penalties where it causes an accident that harms or kills another person; provides that if multiple people are harmed or killed as a result of an unsafe vehicle modification a consecutive sentence may be imposed.

NY S09377

Permits the department of motor vehicles to release vehicle accident report information that is not private information.

VA SB1012

Motor vehicle collisions; collection of certain mobile telephone data, collision reports.

RI S2722

Creates a cause of action for the replacement cost of a child restraint system that is in a motor vehicle at the time of a motor vehicle accident.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.