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A 2473

Relates to the definition of person for the purposes of homicide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 3 co-sponsors

A2473 rewrites the definition of person in NY homicide law, potentially expanding or narrowing who can be charged and how penalties apply.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2473

Summary: Bill A 2473 — Relates to the definition of person for the purposes of homicide

Basic bill information

  • Bill number & title: A 2473, Relates to the definition of person for the purposes of homicide
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Classification: bill

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Stephen Hawley
  • Cosponsors: Chris Tague, Joe DeStefano, Jodi Giglio

Legislative actions to date

  • 2025-01-17: Referred to Codes (listed twice in the record)
  • The bill is in early-stage committee consideration, with no reported floor action yet.

Related and companion measures

  • Related/previously considered bills (prior sessions): A 7542, A 1736, A 3591, A 2074
  • Senate companion: S 2576 (listed as a companion; appears in both Senate listings)

Purpose and potential impact (high-level)

  • The bill would change the statutory definition of the term “person” for purposes of homicide offenses under New York law.
  • As drafted, the exact definitional changes are not provided in the summary you shared; the precise language would determine:
    • which entities or categories are included or excluded from being a “person” in homicide prosecutions
    • how this affects charging options, eligibility for certain homicide offenses, and related penalties
  • The change could alter how homicide statutes apply in scenarios involving particular classes of victims or entities, depending on the enacted language.

What would be affected

  • Criminal law framework: The definition of “person” within homicide statutes in Penal Law.
  • Prosecution and defense considerations: How charges are framed, what counts as a valid victim for homicide, and potential differences in sentencing or penalties if the definitional scope broadens or narrows.
  • Victims and impacted groups: Any group whose status as a “person” under homicide law could shift with the new definition. The specific affected groups depend on the final text.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • As of now, A 2473 has been referred to Codes, meaning it will be reviewed by the Codes Committee. Typical steps (subject to committee action) include:
    • Committee hearings and amendments
    • Potential floor votes in the Assembly
    • If passed, transmission to the Senate for consideration (and possible Senate companion action)
  • Given the presence of related companion and prior-session bills, the measure may see further activity in future sessions or committee meetings.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor the bill text for the exact language changing the definition of “person.”
  • Track committee hearings and votes in the Codes committee.
  • Compare A 2473 with its Senate companion S 2576 and related prior-session bills to understand prior legislative intent and amendments.

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

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