What's happening
This bill allows or requires consecutive prison sentences for certain felony convictions, particularly for multiple sex offense convictions.
Why it matters
Expands judicial discretion and mandates in sentencing. Judges may now impose consecutive (back-to-back) sentences for multiple felony convictions—even if they stem from the same act—broadening the scope for longer total prison terms.
Targets serious sex offenses for mandatory consecutive sentencing. For defendants convicted of multiple offenses under Article 263 (use of a child in a sexual performance) or certain serious sex crimes (sections 130.75, 130.80, 130.95, 130.96), the bill requires—not just allows—consecutive sentences, removing judicial discretion to run them concurrently.
Raises stakes for repeat and multiple offenders. The new language specifically impacts those with prior felony convictions for sex offenses, meaning repeat offenders will face mandatory stacking of sentences, potentially resulting in significantly longer imprisonment.
Signals a policy shift toward harsher penalties for sexual offenses. By making consecutive sentences mandatory or more easily available in these cases, the bill reflects a legislative intent to more severely punish and deter individuals convicted of multiple or repeat sex crimes.
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Tougher Sentences for Sex Crimes
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History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
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Tougher Sentences for Sex Crimes
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Susan Serino
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8568
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
September 13, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to consecutive sentencing for certain convictions
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 70.25 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 56 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows:
2. When more than one sentence of imprisonment is imposed on a person for two or more offenses committed through a single act or omission, or through an act or omission which in itself constituted one of the offenses and also was a material element of the other, the sentences, except if one or more of such sentences is for a violation of section 270.20 of this chapter, must run concurrently. Consecutive sentencing may be applied when a defendant is found guilty of two or more felony counts, including but not limited to previous felony convictions of article one hundred thirty of this chapter or section 230.34 of this chapter, except consecutive sentencing shall be applied when a defendant is found guilty, or has been previously convicted, of two or more counts of article two hundred sixty-three of this chapter or section 130.75, 130.80, 130.95, or 130.96 of this chapter.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06820-01-9
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.