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Bill

S 9974

Establishes the crime of interference with emergency first responders; safety buffer zone

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monica Martinez and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a 15-foot buffer around emergency responders, judges, and prosecutors; entering after a warning to impede duties is a class B misdemeanor.

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Bill Summary · S 9974

Legislative Summary: Bill S. 9974 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose

S. 9974 proposes to establish a new criminal offense—Interference with emergency first responders, judges, or prosecutors—by creating a mandatory 15-foot safety buffer zone around those performing official duties in New York state, New York City, and local municipal jurisdictions. The bill aims to protect the safety and ability of first responders, judges, and prosecutors to carry out their duties without undue harassment, threats, or interference.

Key Provisions

  • New Offense Created: Adds Penal Law Section 240.80, defining “Interference with a New York state, New York City and local municipal emergency first responder, a judge, or a prosecutor” as a class B misdemeanor.
  • Elements of the Offense:
    1. The offender knowingly approaches or remains within a 15-foot safety buffer zone around a designated individual (first responder, judge, or prosecutor) engaged in lawful official duties.
    2. The offender has received a verbal warning to stay outside the buffer zone.
    3. The offender knowingly and willfully fails to comply with the warning and remains within or approaches the buffer with the intent to impede, threaten, harass, or otherwise interfere with the official duties.
  • Definitions:
    • “First responder” includes police/officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians/paramedics, and other EMS providers acting in official capacity.
    • “Safety buffer zone” is the 15-foot area surrounding the protected individual.
  • Exceptions and Protections:
    • Recording, photographing, or observing activities outside the buffer zone that does not interfere with duties remains lawful.
    • The clause also clarifies that the statute does not apply to individuals seeking emergency assistance, providing aid, or following lawful instructions from protected personnel.
  • Penalty: Interference constitutes a class B misdemeanor.
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect on the 90th day after enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Protected Individuals: State, city, and local emergency first responders (e.g., police, firefighters, EMS), as well as judges and state/county/municipal prosecutors.
  • Potential Offenders: Members of the public who knowingly enter or approach the 15-foot buffer after a verbal warning and with intent to impede or interfere with duties.
  • Recording/Public Observers: The law permits lawful recording or observation if performed outside the buffer and without interference.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduction date: April 20, 2026.
  • Referred to the Senate Committee on Codes for consideration.
  • The bill becomes law 90 days after enactment (i.e., after final passage and signature).

Practical Impact

  • Creates a formal, enforceable safety zone around frontline public service workers and legal officials during duties.
  • Provides a clear framework for when warnings are given and what constitutes interference.
  • Clarifies permissible recording/observing activities and protections for those seeking or receiving aid.
  • Potential enforcement tool for law enforcement to deter threats, harassment, or hindrance related to official duties.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing NY Penal Law provisions or provide a section-by-section redline-style explanation.

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

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