What's happening
This bill expands the crime of aggravated harassment to include not just placing but also displaying a swastika on property without permission.
Why it matters
Broadens the Scope of Hate Crime Laws. By adding "displays" to the prohibited actions, the bill addresses not only physically marking property with a swastika but also temporarily exhibiting or showing one, closing a loophole that might allow offenders to escape prosecution by claiming they did not "place" the symbol.
Adapts to Modern Forms of Harassment. The change acknowledges that hate symbols can be projected, hung, or otherwise shown without being permanently affixed, reflecting newer forms of intimidation or harassment that can be just as threatening as graffiti.
Strengthens Protections for Vulnerable Communities. Expanding the law sends a stronger message of deterrence and support to communities targeted by anti-Semitic or hate-driven acts, affirming that any public display of hateful emblems on others’ property is taken seriously.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Public Swastika Displays
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5923
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 17, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CURRAN, HARRIS, M. L. MILLER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to aggravated harassment in the first degree
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 240.31 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 74 of the laws of 2008, is amended to read as follows:
3. Etches, paints, draws upon or otherwise places or displays a swastika, commonly exhibited as the emblem of Nazi Germany, on any building or other real property, public or private, owned by any person, firm or corporation or any public agency or instrumentality, without express permission of the owner or operator of such building or real property;
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08557-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.