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Bill

A 397

Provides for enhanced penalties for larceny and criminal possession of stolen property against elderly persons

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clyde Vanel

Imposes enhanced penalties for larceny and possession of stolen property when the victim is elderly, strengthening protection and punishment for crimes against seniors.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 397

Summary of Assembly Bill A 397 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 397
  • Title: Provides for enhanced penalties for larceny and criminal possession of stolen property against elderly persons
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Clyde Vanel
  • Related Bill: A 10689 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to strengthen penalties for two property crimes—larceny and criminal possession of stolen property—when the offender targets an elderly person. In short, it creates an enhanced-sentencing framework that applies specifically when the victim is an elderly individual.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s headline and status)

  • Enhanced penalties triggered by the victim’s status as an elderly person.
  • Applies to:
    • Larceny offenses (the illegal taking of property without consent).
    • Criminal possession of stolen property offenses (receiving, possessing, or controlling stolen property).
  • The precise definitions (e.g., who counts as an “elderly person,” the exact penalty increases, thresholds by value, and any related sentencing ranges) are not included in the provided information. Those details would be set forth in the bill’s text.
  • Likely avenues for implementation:
    • An aggravating factor or separate penalty tier based on the elderly-victim status.
    • Possible alignment with existing statutes on enhanced penalties for vulnerable-population victims, if referenced.

Who would be affected

  • Defendants charged with larceny or criminal possession of stolen property, where the victim is an elderly person.
  • Elderly victims (as beneficiaries of enhanced protections).
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts, which would apply the enhanced penalties when the elderly-victim criterion is met.
  • The broader criminal justice process, including potential impacts on sentencing guidelines and case handling.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status indicates the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee (January 8, 2025), with the legislative actions showing this referral occurring on that date.
  • No text yet provided here detailing specific provisions, effective dates, or fiscal implications.
  • Related legislative activity suggests a companion or similar concept appeared in prior session as A 10689, which may indicate ongoing interest in enhanced penalties for crimes against elderly persons.

Notes for readers

  • A complete understanding of the bill’s impact requires the full text to confirm: the exact penalty enhancements, definitions (especially of “elderly person”), any value thresholds, effective dates, and any fiscal notes.
  • If tracking, monitor subsequent Codes Committee actions, possible amendments, and votes in the Assembly, and look for a companion measure in the Senate.

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

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