New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07271

Introduced
4/7/25  
Refer
4/7/25  

Caption

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

Summary

Bill S07271 amends the penal law regarding criminal mischief in the third degree. It introduces a new provision that specifically criminalizes the intentional damage of another person's property when such damage is done to promote or suppress a political ideology, or as an expression of political ideology. This amendment aims to clarify the legal consequences for actions that are politically motivated and could lead to property damage, thereby expanding the scope of criminal mischief laws in New York State.

Impact

The bill's passage would modify existing penal law by adding a new category under which individuals can be charged with criminal mischief. This change could lead to increased legal scrutiny and potential charges for individuals whose actions are politically motivated, thereby impacting both free expression and property rights. It may also influence how law enforcement and the judicial system handle cases of property damage linked to political activities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S07271 appears to be mixed, with some legislators expressing concern over the implications for free speech and political expression. Others support the bill as a necessary measure to deter politically motivated vandalism. However, there has been no formal voting history available to gauge the overall legislative support or opposition at this time.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from civil liberties advocates who argue that the bill could infringe upon free speech rights and lead to potential misuse against political activists. Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is necessary to protect property rights and maintain order during politically charged events. The debate centers around the balance between protecting property and safeguarding political expression.

Companion Bills

NY A07865

Same As Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

Previously Filed As

NY A07865

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when such person intentionally damages property of another person to promote or suppress a political ideology, or otherwise as an expression of political ideology.

NY HB3139

Schools; Safeguarding Personal Expression At K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act; prohibiting certain student religious, political, or ideological discrimination by schools; legal remedies; state waiver of immunity; emergency.

NY SB909

Renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act" and creates provisions safeguarding students' political and ideological expression at public schools

NY A06704

Adds damaging property of another person when that property is an American flag to the definition of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY HB2682

Renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act" and creates provisions safeguarding students' political and ideological expression at public schools

NY S09064

Makes intentional damage to an authorized emergency vehicle a crime of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY HB2796

Politically engaged persons; criminal charges

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 A10473

Raises the monetary value of damaged property that is considered criminal mischief or securities fraud.

NY A03401

Modifies the crime of criminal solicitation in the third degree; provides that a person is guilty of criminal solicitation in the third degree when such person, being over eighteen years of age, with the intent that another person under eighteen years of age engage in conduct that would constitute certain crimes, intentionally provides a loaded firearm to such other person.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.