Res. No. 1223
Resolution in support of A.6369, which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for certain offenses committed against an elderly person who is 60 or older, and calling on the Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and on the Governor to sign such legislation.
Council Members Arroyo, Cabrera, Comrie, Gentile, James, Koo, Koslowitz, Levin, Vann, Williams, Palma, Rodriguez and Halloran
Whereas, Some individuals blatantly disregard the adage "respect your elders"; and
Whereas, Every year, there are news reports of elderly individuals who are the victims of assaults, robberies, or some other crime; and
Whereas, The elderly are a vulnerable population and several incidents have highlighted their plight; and
Whereas, In January 2012, a man allegedly attacked an 81 year-old man in Parkchester in the Bronx; and
Whereas, The suspect followed the man into his building and then proceeded to punch and kick him and eventually stole his wallet; and
Whereas, In another incident, which took place in May 2011, a man allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed an 85 year-old woman on the Upper East Side in Manhattan; and
Whereas, In order to strengthen the laws against those who commit an offense against the elderly, New York State must increase the penalties that can be imposed against those who harm our elderly population; and
Whereas, Assemblymember Guillermo Linares introduced A.6369, which would amend the Penal Law in order to increase the penalties for offenses committed against elderly individuals; and
Whereas, A.6369 defines "elderly person" as an individual who is sixty years or older; and
Whereas, A.6369 also defines "offense committed" as any of certain specified offenses, which range from misdemeanors to class B felonies; and
Whereas, A.6369 would increase the penalties when a person is convicted of an offense committed against an elderly person by deeming the offense to be one category higher than the offense the person committed, or attempted or conspired to commit; and
Whereas, A.6369 also establishes sentencing guidelines when the offense committed against an elderly person is a class B felony; and
Whereas, New York State needs to protect the elderly from those who seek to harm them; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports A.6369, which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for certain offenses committed against an elderly person who is 60 or older, and calls on the Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and on the Governor to sign such legislation.
SA
2/3/11
LS# 3091