NY Governor Hochul Proposes Expansion of Hate Crime Statute

Proposal Comes in Response to Significant Rise in Antisemitism and Bias Incidents

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for an expansion of the state's hate crime statute to include 31 additional offenses, including graffiti, arson, and rape.
The proposed expansion comes in response to a significant rise in bias incidents, particularly antisemitism, following Hamas' terror attacks on Israel.
Sex trafficking and criminal possession of a weapon are among the offenses that could be prosecuted as hate crimes under the proposed expansion.
Jewish leaders and the Anti-Defamation League have expressed support for Hochul's proposal.
Hochul's budget also includes a proposal to add $35 million to the Secure Communities Against Hate initiative, which provides grants for protection against physical or cyber attacks.