File #: Int 0590-2007    Version: * Name: Defacing or damaging of American flags on private property.
Type: Introduction Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 6/5/2007
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the defacing or damaging of American flags on private property.
Sponsors: James S. Oddo, Lewis A. Fidler, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Vincent J. Gentile, Sara M. Gonzalez, John C. Liu, Michael C. Nelson, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., David I. Weprin, Simcha Felder, Helen Sears, James Vacca, Peter F. Vallone, Jr., Vincent Ignizio
Council Member Sponsors: 14

Int. No. 590

 

By Council Members Oddo, Fidler, Comrie, Gentile, Gonzalez, Liu, Nelson, Recchia Jr., Weprin, Felder, Sears, Vacca, Vallone Jr. and Ignizio

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the defacing or damaging of American flags on private property.

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative intent and findings. The American flag is the symbol of our Nation. It represents not only our country, but also the noble ideals our county seeks to uphold, such as freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity. Throughout our history, men and women have fought and died for the flag and the ideals that it represents. The Council recognizes that at the present time, men and women continue the fight against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is the Council’s intention to recognize the importance the American flag has for our nation and to protect such flags that are flown on private property.

§2. Title 10 of the administrative code of the city of New York is hereby amended by adding a new section 10-117.4 to read as follows:

                     §10-117.4 Defacing or damaging an American flag that is located on private property. Any person who willfully and without authority, defaces or otherwise damages an American flag that is located on private property shall be liable for a civil fine not to exceed $10,000 for each flag defaced or damaged. Such civil penalty shall be in a addition to any criminal or civil penalties that exist under any other provision of law. Such civil penalty shall not limit or preclude any cause of action available to any person or entity aggrieved by any of the acts prohibited by this section.

§3. This local law shall take effect immediately upon its enactment.

 

LS# 1338

RCC

11/08/2006