Three new bills were signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul this week that she says are designed to fight crime and keep New Yorkers safe.
The three new laws protect individuals from hate-fueled violence, enhance anti-violence education in schools and crack down on stolen cell phones.
Legislation S5302/A8849 amends State law to classify removal or threat of removal of religious clothing, such as a yarmulke or hijab, as aggravated harassment in the second degree. Over the past year, there have been multiple incidents where individuals’ religious clothing has been threatened in acts of hateful violence.
Legislation S4598D/A4917D would allow anti-violence educational programs to receive funding from the Omnibus School Violence Prevention Grant program. Newly-eligible programs would provide evidence-based trauma support for at-risk youth, group counseling and anti-violence education.
Legislation S7739B/A8994A enacts “Detective Brian Simonsen’s Law”, which aims to crack down on cell phone theft by requiring wireless service providers disable services to stolen wireless phones. The law is named after Detective Brian Simonsen, a heroic NYPD officer who lost his life in 2019 while responding to an armed robbery at a cell phone store.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to using every possible tool to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “The data is clear: New York has gotten safer since I took office in 2021, but there is more to do to stop hate and prevent violence in our communities. Signing these bills today will create three new laws to help protect New Yorkers and further reduce crime.”
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