Relates to the crime of aggravated harassment of an employee by an incarcerated individual

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stacey Pheffer Amato

Aims to criminalize aggravated harassment by incarcerated individuals against employees, expanding penalties to protect workers in facilities.

REFERRED TO CODES

Bill Summary: A 4699 – Relates to the crime of aggravated harassment of an employee by an incarcerated individual

Overview

A 4699 is a New York Assembly bill introduced on February 4, 2025. The primary sponsor is Stacey Pheffer Amato. The bill is currently referred to the Codes Committee, indicating it is at the initial stage of criminal-law consideration. The title suggests the measure would address aggravated harassment specifically in the context of an incarcerated individual targeting an employee.

What the bill would do (as indicated by the title)

The bill appears to create or modify provisions related to aggravated harassment when the perpetrator is an incarcerated individual and the victim is an employee.

While the full text is not provided here, the central intent is to establish, clarify, or enhance criminal liability and penalties for harassment by someone who is incarcerated against a person employed by a facility or organization.

Who would be affected

Offenders: Individuals who are incarcerated and engage in harassment against employees.

Victims: Employees who are harassed by incarcerated individuals, including possibly staff within correctional or related facilities.

Potential institutions: Correctional facilities and other workplaces where employees may interact with incarcerated individuals.

Procedural status and timeline

Introduced: February 4, 2025.

Status: Referred to Codes (the Assembly’s Criminal Law and Penal Law committee). The duplicate listing under “Legislative Actions” reflects the same referral.

Next steps (typical for this stage): The Codes Committee would review the bill, potentially hold hearings, and propose amendments before any floor action or passage; if advanced, it would move through the regular legislative process toward a vote.

Sponsors and related legislation

Primary sponsor: Stacey Pheffer Amato.

Related bills from prior sessions (indicative of ongoing policy interest in this area): A 10580, A 4501, A 5816, A 5587, A 6976.

These related measures suggest a pattern of legislative attention to offenses involving incarcerated individuals and harassment against employees, though the exact provisions may differ between bills.

Potential impacts and considerations

Criminal law impact: If enacted, the bill could establish or expand a specific offense of aggravated harassment when the actor is incarcerated, potentially leading to enhanced penalties or distinct prosecutorial treatment.

Policy rationale: Aims to address safety concerns for employees who interact with incarcerated individuals and to deter harassing conduct within institutional or work settings.

Implementation considerations: Clarifying definitions (e.g., who qualifies as an employee, the scope of “aggravated” factors), determining applicable penalties, and coordinating with existing prison-cafety and prosecutorial procedures.

Note: This summary reflects the information available in the bill’s status and title. The full text would provide precise definitions, elements of the offense, penalties, and procedural details.