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Bill

Bill

A 169

Relates to cemetery desecration; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Simcha Eichenstein

Proposes tightening laws on cemetery desecration and repealing older provisions, strengthening protections for cemeteries and guiding enforcement and penalties for offenders.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 169

Summary: Assembly Bill A 169 – Relates to Cemetery Desecration; Repealer

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 169
  • Title: Relates to cemetery desecration; repealer
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Codes (Assembly standing committee)
  • Primary Sponsor: Simcha Eichenstein

A 169 is an early-stage bill in the New York Assembly that, based on its title, addresses cemetery desecration and includes a repealer. The existing text of the bill is not provided in the summary, so specifics about the exact changes or repeals are not yet known.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary stated focus appears to be cemetery desecration, which typically involves acts that damage, disturb, or destroy cemeteries, graves, grave markers, or associated property.
  • The inclusion of “repealer” in the title suggests the bill would repeal one or more existing statutes or provisions related to cemetery desecration or its related offenses, potentially replacing them with updated language or consolidating related laws.

Because the bill text is not included here, the precise objectives (e.g., changes to definitions, penalties, enforcement, or applicable jurisdictions) cannot be confirmed.

Key Provisions (Not in Text Provided)

  • Specific offenses, definitions, and penalties related to cemetery desecration are not listed in the available information.
  • It is typical for such bills to address:
    • Definitions of what constitutes cemetery desecration
    • Criminal penalties (degree of offense, fines, imprisonment)
    • Protective measures for cemeteries and grave sites
    • Enforcement mechanisms and prosecutorial guidelines
    • Repeals of conflicting or outdated provisions (as indicated by “repealer”)

Note: The actual provisions and repeals will be clear once the bill text is published.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Individuals who desecrate cemeteries or grave sites (potential defendants under new or revised provisions)
  • Cemetery operators and property owners (impact on protection, enforcement, and restoration efforts)
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors (classification of offenses and prosecutorial priorities)
  • Various communities and organizations tied to cemetery stewardship, cultural or religious groups with ceremonial grave-site practices (depending on how definitions are drafted)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to Codes (Assembly committee responsible for laws related to statutes, penal code, and related topics)
  • Next steps typically include: committee review, potential amendments, hearings, and a floor vote if advanced to the full Assembly.

Related Bills

  • A 5339, A 7201, A 6754, A 8727, A 2507, A 217 (all prior-session bills related to cemetery desecration or similar topics)
  • The presence of multiple related bills suggests ongoing legislative interest in strengthening or updating cemetery desecration laws.

How to Track and Learn More

  • Monitor the New York Assembly’s bill status page for A 169 for text, amendments, and committee actions.
  • Review fiscal impact statements and memorandum (if issued) once the bill text is available.
  • Compare with related prior-session bills (A 5339, A 7201, A 6754, A 8727, A 2507, A 217) to understand common approaches and potential amendments.

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

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