S2450

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Krueger to increase penalties for aggravated harassment in the second degree, particularly addressing technology-enabled abuse. The bill, Senate Print 2450 (Calendar 546), passed on a 56-2 roll call vote, with only Sens. Brisport and Salazar voting in opposition. The measure targets harassment through texts, emails, and digital platforms, with particular focus on protecting young people from stalking, non-consensual image sharing, and threats from strangers. Krueger, explaining her vote, called the bill 'critically important' given rapid technological change and noted it clarifies legal authority to prosecute such abuses. The legislation takes effect November 1. Krueger expressed hope the bill would pass both chambers this year, noting previous struggles between the two houses on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Krueger to amend the Penal Law and close a loophole in aggravated harassment statutes to cover electronic communications, including text messages, unsolicited photos, and emails. The bill passed on a 60-2 roll call vote, with only Sens. Brisport and Salazar voting in opposition. Supporters characterized the measure as commonsense legislation necessary to protect domestic violence victims from technology-enabled harassment and coercive control. Sen. Scarcella-Spanton cited a National Network to End Domestic Violence survey finding that 96 percent of abuse survivors reported being harassed via text, arguing the bill addresses how abusers weaponize technology to maintain power over their victims. The legislation takes effect November 1.