S7205
An act to amend the Penal Law — 2024-03-25 · Calendar #351
The Senate passed S7205, a Penal Law amendment sponsored by Sen. Comrie, on a 61-0 roll call vote. The bill's passage came after the chamber rejected an appeal to overturn the presiding officer's ruling that a proposed amendment on squatter protections was nongermane. Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed Acting President Persaud's decision, arguing her amendment was germane because the underlying bill creates theft penalties and squatters effectively steal property by occupying homes without permission. She cited recent high-profile cases, including a homicide allegedly committed by squatters in New York City, and argued that New York's tenant-friendly laws should not extend to unauthorized occupants. "Why are we rewarding wrongdoers with legal rights?" she asked, comparing squatters' rights to protections for credit card fraud and carjacking. The appeal failed on a show of hands vote, 20-0, and the bill proceeded to passage without amendment. The measure takes effect immediately.
PASSED
Ayes: 61
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed the ruling of the chair that an amendment addressing squatter protections was nongermane to the bill. She argued the amendment was germane because the underlying bill creates penalties for theft, and her amendment would address theft of property by squatters occupying homes without permission. She cited high-profile cases of squatter-related crimes and argued New York's tenant-friendly laws should not extend to squatters, comparing squatters' rights to credit card fraud and carjacking protections. The appeal was defeated 20-0 on a show of hands vote, and the bill proceeded to passage.
Amendments
| Sponsor | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick | Would amend the Penal Code to clarify that squatters and those occupying property without owner permission are not treated as tenants and have no right to remain on the property | ruled nongermane and out of order; appeal defeated |
An act to amend the Penal Law — 2023-06-05 · Calendar #1417
The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Penal Law on a roll call vote, with 61 senators voting in favor. Senate Print 7205, sponsored by Sen. Comrie and assigned Calendar Number 1417, was advanced without recorded debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED
Ayes: 61
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
No debate was recorded on this bill. The measure proceeded directly to a roll call vote.