New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07022

Introduced
3/28/25  
Refer
3/28/25  

Caption

Establishes the crime of making a threat of mass violence; relates to the amount of a fine imposed for the commission of a felony.

Summary

Bill S07022 aims to amend the penal law of New York by establishing two new offenses related to making threats of mass violence. The bill defines two degrees of the crime: making a threat of mass violence in the second degree, applicable to individuals under 21 years of age, and making a threat of mass violence in the first degree, applicable to all individuals. The penalties include fines and mandatory detention, with the first degree classified as a class D felony, carrying a minimum sentence of three years.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts New York's penal law by introducing specific offenses for threats of mass violence, which previously may not have been distinctly categorized. It establishes clear legal definitions and penalties for such threats, aiming to deter potential offenders and enhance public safety in schools, places of worship, and other public gatherings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S07022 appears to be cautious but supportive among legislators, reflecting a growing concern over public safety and the need for stricter penalties for threats of violence. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the implications for youth offenders and the potential for overreach in penalizing threats that may not result in actual violence.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the impact of the bill on young individuals, particularly those under 21, who may face severe penalties for threats made in a moment of impulsivity or misunderstanding. Some advocates argue that the bill could lead to criminalizing youth behavior rather than addressing underlying issues, while supporters emphasize the need for strong deterrents against mass violence.

Companion Bills

NY A01035

Same As Establishes the crime of making a threat of mass violence; relates to the amount of a fine imposed for the commission of a felony.

Previously Filed As

NY A01035

Establishes the crime of making a threat of mass violence; relates to the amount of a fine imposed for the commission of a felony.

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 SB473

Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence

NY A09127

Includes aggravated threat of mass harm, making a threat of mass harm, aggravated harassment in the second degree, harassment in the first degree, menacing in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, menacing in the first degree, and aggravated harassment in the first degree in being eligible for bail; makes aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm eligible to be considered hate crimes; increases the penalties for aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm.

NY HB233

Crimes and offenses; making a terrorist threat in the second degree, elements revised, criminal penalties further provided for

NY HB188

Crimes and offenses; making a terrorist threat in the second degree, elements revised, criminal penalties further provided for

NY S01603

Establishes the crime of making a threat of mass violence.

NY AB38

Crimes: serious and violent felonies.

NY SB676

Criminal Law - Threat of Mass Violence - Penalty

NY S10359

Prohibits people from engaging in protests outside a place of religious worship; establishes that protests must be a minimum of twenty-five feet away from a place of religious worship.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.