New York Lawmakers Propose Expansion of Hate Crimes Statute Following Surge in Incidents

Proposed Hate Crimes Modernization Act to Include 31 Additional Hate Crime Offenses amid Record High Antisemitic and Anti-Asian Attacks in NYC

New York state lawmakers have proposed the Hate Crimes Modernization Act, expanding the state's hate crimes statute to include an additional 31 offenses. Notably included in this expansion are crimes such as gang assault, sexual misconduct, rape, making graffiti, and weapon possession.
The proposed legislation would also introduce a new crime classification, termed 'bias harassment.' The classification would account for unwelcome physical contact based on beliefs or perceptions of membership in a protected class.
The significant rise in hate crimes in New York city and state has motivated this push for legislative change. In October 2023 alone, citywide hate crimes more than doubled compared to the previous year. Such crimes have targeted a wide range of racial and ethnic groups, with a notable increase in anti-religious attacks.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg endorsed the proposed legislation, noting that hate crimes tend to follow high profile incidents and stating that the bill would allow law enforcement to track hate crimes more realistically.
Assemblymember Grace Lee, the author of the bill, shared her personal experience with anti-Asian harassment during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing attention to the underreported nature of such incidents and reinforcing the necessity for the proposed changes.