New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06045

Introduced
3/5/25  
Refer
3/5/25  

Caption

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

Summary

Bill S06045 amends the New York Penal Law to establish that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree if they intentionally cause physical injury to an employee of the state, its political subdivisions, public authorities, or public benefit corporations while that employee is performing their official duties. This amendment specifically targets assaults against government employees, enhancing the legal protections afforded to them while they are engaged in their work.

Impact

The bill's passage would strengthen the legal framework surrounding assaults against government employees by categorizing such acts as second-degree assaults. This change could lead to harsher penalties for individuals who commit these offenses, thereby potentially deterring such actions and providing greater protection for public servants in New York.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S06045 appears to be supportive among lawmakers, as it addresses the safety of government employees who often face risks while performing their duties. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of broadening the definition of assault and how it could affect interactions between the public and government employees.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the potential for the bill to be perceived as overly punitive or as infringing on civil liberties. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to misuse or overreach in prosecuting individuals who may not have intended to cause harm, while supporters emphasize the need for protecting public employees from violence.

Companion Bills

NY A03282

Same As Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

Previously Filed As

NY A03282

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY A00371

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when he or she intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing his or her duties.

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 S01611

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

NY A07436

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

NY A08132

Defines temporary total disability as the injured employee's inability to perform such employee's pre-injury employment duties or any modified employment offered by the employer that is consistent with such employee's disability.

NY A09394

Adds employees of the office of children and family services to the list of public employees for which prevention of duties constitutes assault in the second degree.

NY S08942

Elevates assault to a felony when committed against a water authority employee in the course of performing their duties.

NY A08221

Elevates assault to a felony when committed against a water authority employee in the course of performing their duties.

NY A00294

Provides that a person is guilty of aggravated assault upon a police officer or peace officer when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person whom such person knows or reasonably should know to be a police officer or a peace officer engaged in the course of performing such police officer or peace officer's official duties and when aided by two or more other persons actually present at an assembly in a public place, as such term is defined in subdivision one of section 240.00 of this part, such person causes physical injury to such police officer or peace officer.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.