File #: Res 0868-2023    Version: * Name: To increase criminal penalties for individuals who threaten, harass, or assault elected officials and their staff members.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 12/20/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation to increase criminal penalties for individuals who threaten, harass, or assault elected officials and their staff members.
Sponsors: Marjorie Velázquez, Justin L. Brannan
Council Member Sponsors: 2
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 868, 2. December 20, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 12-20-23, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - December 20, 2023
Date Ver.Prime SponsorAction ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsMultimedia
12/31/2023*Marjorie Velázquez City Council Filed (End of Session)  Action details Meeting details Not available
12/20/2023*Marjorie Velázquez City Council Referred to Comm by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available
12/20/2023*Marjorie Velázquez City Council Introduced by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available

Res. No. 868

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation to increase criminal penalties for individuals who threaten, harass, or assault elected officials and their staff members.

By Council Members Velázquez and Brannan

Whereas, Elected officials and their staff members play a crucial role in the functioning of government and are essential to the democratic process; and

Whereas, These dedicated government workers should be able to carry out their responsibilities without fear of threats, harassment, or assault that goes beyond the risks faced by the general public, as they are targeted specifically due to the nature of their work; and

Whereas, Threats, harassment, and assaults against elected officials and their staffers poses a serious threat to the functioning of democratic institutions and undermines the ability of elected officials to serve their communities effectively; and

Whereas, It is the responsibility of the State Legislature to enact legislation that ensures a safe and secure working environment for elected officials and their employees; and

Whereas, While the First Amendment's to the United States Constitution safeguards free speech, it does not allow citizens to threaten, harass or assault anyone; and

Whereas, The existing criminal penalties for threats, harassment, and assaults against elected officials and their staffers don’t provide sufficient deterrence to potential offenders, and

Whereas, stronger penalties for those who engage in threatening, harassing, or assaulting elected officials' and their staffers can serve as a greater deterrent and reinforce the importance of respecting and protecting those who work for us while preserving citizens’ rights to disagree with their views; and

Whereas, The New York City Council is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of elected officials and their employees; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation to increase criminal penalties for individuals who threaten, harass, or assault elected officials and their staff members.

CMB

LS#10461

12/14/23