Bill

A 4527

Enacts Noah's Law; creates the crimes of child abuse, vulnerable elderly person or incompetent or physically disabled person abuse, and torture

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Chludzinski and 1 co-sponsor

Creates three new crimes: child abuse, abuse of a vulnerable elderly/disabled person, and torture, enhancing penalties and protections for at-risk individuals.

REFERRED TO CODES

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 4527

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 4527 – Noah's Law

Overview

A 4527, introduced on February 4, 2025, would enshrine three new criminal offenses into state law: (1) child abuse, (2) abuse of a vulnerable elderly person or an incompetent or physically disabled person, and (3) torture. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Codes Committee for consideration.

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations, specifically children and adults who are elderly, incompetent, or physically disabled.
By creating explicit offenses for these forms of mistreatment, the measure seeks to improve accountability and potential penalties for perpetrators.

Key Provisions (High-Level)

Establishes three new crimes:
- Child abuse
- Abuse of a vulnerable elderly person or an incompetent or physically disabled person
- Torture
The specific elements of each offense (definitions, mens rea, degrees, defenses) and any associated penalties would be defined in the text of the bill itself. The summary here reflects only the creation of the offenses and their general intention; details would be found in the enacted statute if the bill advances.

Affected Parties

Victims: children and vulnerable elderly, incompetent, or physically disabled individuals.
Perpetrators: individuals who abuse children or vulnerable adults, or who commit torture.
Stakeholders: law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim-services providers who may handle cases under these offenses.

Legislative Status and Timeline

Introduced: February 4, 2025.
Status: Referred to Codes (February 4, 2025). Referred twice in the legislative actions list, indicating routine committee referral.
Next steps (typical process): The Codes Committee would hold hearings, consider amendments, and decide whether to advance the bill to the floor for consideration. If advanced, the bill would move through the chamber and then to the other house, with potential amendments and budget or fiscal note reviews.

Related Legislation

A 6760 (prior-session)
S 3526 (companion)

Notes

The summary above reflects the information provided. The bill’s detailed definitions, elements, degrees, defenses, exemptions, and penalties would be specified in the full text. Readers should consult the official bill language and legislative analyses for precise provisions if and when the bill progresses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.