New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06986

Introduced
3/27/25  
Refer
3/27/25  

Caption

Establishes the crimes of assault on a child protective services worker, aggravated assault on a child protective services worker and menacing a child protective services worker.

Summary

Bill S06986 aims to enhance the legal protections for child protective services workers in New York by establishing specific crimes related to assault and menacing against them. It introduces three new sections to the penal law: 'Assault on a child protective services worker,' which classifies serious physical injury to such workers as a class C felony; 'Aggravated assault on a child protective services worker,' which escalates the offense to a class B felony if a deadly weapon is used; and 'Menacing a child protective services worker,' which defines the act of threatening a worker with a weapon as a class D felony. These provisions are designed to deter violence against workers who are involved in sensitive investigations of child abuse and neglect.

Impact

The bill will amend the penal law to create specific offenses targeting violence against child protective services workers, thereby increasing the penalties for such acts. This change aims to provide greater legal recourse and protection for these workers, who often face dangerous situations while performing their duties. The introduction of these felonies may also lead to increased awareness and discussions around the safety of social service employees in New York.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S06986 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical issue of safety for child protective services workers. Discussions likely highlight the importance of protecting those who work in child welfare, although specific committee discussions and voting history are not available to provide a detailed sentiment analysis.

Contention

While the bill seems to have general support, potential points of contention may arise regarding the definitions of the offenses and the implications for individuals charged under these new laws. Concerns may be raised about the balance between protecting social workers and ensuring fair treatment for those accused of these crimes, particularly in cases where intent may be difficult to prove.

Companion Bills

NY A07831

Same As Establishes the crimes of assault on a child protective services worker, aggravated assault on a child protective services worker and menacing a child protective services worker.

Previously Filed As

NY A07831

Establishes the crimes of assault on a child protective services worker, aggravated assault on a child protective services worker and menacing a child protective services worker.

HI HB1098

Relating To Crimes Against Protective Services Workers.

WV SB557

Requiring Child Protective Services workers to wear body-worn cameras

WV SB821

Requiring child protective services workers to wear body-worn cameras

HI SB1417

Relating To Crimes Against Protective Services Workers.

HI SB1417

Relating To Crimes Against Protective Services Workers.

AZ SB1448

aggravated assault; utility workers

WV HB4512

Requiring child protective services (“CPS”) workers to record, via audio, all interactions during CPS visits.

WV HB2542

Requiring child protective services (“CPS”) workers to record, via audio, all interactions during CPS visits.

NM SB334

Assault & Battery Of Cyfd Workers

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.