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Bill

A 1140

Relates to the definition of consent

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 6 co-sponsors

New York A 1140 would redefine consent in criminal law, clarifying affirmative/ongoing consent and factors like coercion or incapacity, changing charges and defenses.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 1140

Summary: New York Assembly Bill A 1140 — Relates to the definition of consent

Overview

  • Bill number: A 1140
  • Title: Relates to the definition of consent
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES (Assembly Codes Committee)
  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Rebecca Seawright
  • Cosponsors: Judy Griffin, Chantel Jackson, Chris Burdick, Phil Steck, David Weprin, Karen McMahon
  • Related legislation: A 6540 and A 7523 (prior-session bills); S 5521 (companion in the Senate)

What the bill would do (purpose)

A 1140 seeks to modify the statutory definition of “consent.” While the specific text of the bill is not provided here, the title indicates that the core change would be to how consent is defined within the criminal code. This typically affects statutes governing offenses where consent is a central element (for example, sexual offenses) by clarifying what constitutes meaningful, voluntary agreement.

Key provisions and changes (high-level)

  • The bill would amend the definition of consent used in applicable statutes. The exact language and scope (which offenses are affected and how consent is defined) are not included in the information provided.
  • Given the topic, the change could address factors such as:
    • Whether consent must be affirmative or ongoing
    • The role of coercion, incapacity, or impairment in negating consent
    • How consent is communicated or demonstrated in legal proceedings
  • The bill is currently in the referral stage and has not yet been advanced to the floor or enacted into law.

Who/what would be affected

  • Criminal statutes that rely on the definition of consent. This typically includes offenses involving sexual acts, but could also impact other crimes where consent is a defense or a necessary element.
  • Defendants charged under relevant statutes, as well as prosecutors and defense attorneys who would apply the revised definition in cases.
  • Law enforcement and judiciary interpreting and applying the consent standard in charging decisions, investigations, and trials.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and immediately referred to the Assembly Codes Committee on January 9, 2025.
  • Referred status indicates initial consideration by committee, with potential future steps including committee hearings, passage by the Assembly, and potential Senate action or reconciling differences with companion/Senate bill.
  • The companion Senate bill is listed as S 5521, indicating cross-chamber consideration in parallel.

Additional context

  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 6540, A 7523) and a companion (S 5521) suggest ongoing interest in legislative clarifications to the concept of consent across sessions.
  • For readers seeking specifics, the exact text of A 1140 would be required to determine which offenses are affected and the precise definitional changes.

How to track or obtain the full text

  • To understand the exact changes, consult the New York State Assembly engrossed/cached bill text for A 1140, and any accompanying memos orFiscal notes, once released by the Codes Committee or the Assembly Clerk.
  • Check for updates on legislative websites or official bill tracking services for status changes and potential companion Senate actions.

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

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