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S 7271

Relates to expanding criminal mischief in the third degree to include damaging property of another as an expression of political ideology

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 5 co-sponsors

Expands criminal mischief in the third degree to cover property damage expressed as political ideology, increasing charges for politically motivated property damage.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · S 7271

Summary of S 7271 – Expanding Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree

Overview

S 7271 would expand the scope of criminal mischief in the third degree to include damaging property of another as an expression of political ideology. The bill is introduced in the New York State Senate and is currently referred to the Codes Committee.

  • Introduced: April 7, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Codes (April 7, 2025)
  • Primary sponsor: Mark Walczyk
  • Cosponsors: George Borrello, Alexis Weik, Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Steve Rhoads, Peter Oberacker
  • Related/companion: A 7865 (Assembly), listed as a companion measure

What the bill would do

  • Creates a new or expanded basis for charging criminal mischief in the third degree when property of another is damaged as an expression of political ideology.
  • The motive described as “expression of political ideology” would be a factor that brings the conduct within the reach of criminal mischief in the third degree, potentially increasing accountability for politically motivated property damage.

Key provisions (high level)

  • Amends the existing statute governing criminal mischief in the third degree to include damages arising from acts that express political ideology.
  • Applies to property damage inflicted as an expression of political ideology, involving property of another.
  • Maintains the current severity level for criminal mischief in the third degree, with the addition of the ideological-motive qualifier as a triggering factor.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals and entities committing property damage that is motivated as an expression of political ideology could be charged under criminal mischief in the third degree.
  • Property owners and victims of such damage could see enhanced enforcement and potential penalties under the clarified motive standard.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts would apply the motive-based trigger in relevant cases.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced and referred to Codes on the same day (April 7, 2025).
  • No further action details provided in the available summary.
  • If enacted, the provision would take effect on a date specified in the act (standard for new criminal statutes), with applicable offenses arising after the effective date.

Relationship to companion/related bills

  • Companion bill in the Assembly: A 7865 (listed twice in the related information), indicating cross-chamber consideration or duplicate entries.

Potential implications to watch

  • Legal clarity on what constitutes “expression of political ideology” in practice.
  • Possible impact on protests or politically motivated property damage cases, balancing civil liberties with property protection.
  • Fiscal and enforcement implications for the Codes Committee’s docket, if enacted.

Next steps

  • Monitor passage through the Senate Codes Committee and eventual floor votes.
  • Compare with the Assembly companion (A 7865) for alignment between chambers.
  • Await any fiscal notes or implementation guidelines accompanying a final bill version.

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

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