File #: Res 0852-2023    Version: * Name: The Hate Crimes Modernization Act (S.7737/A.8261).
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 12/6/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S7737/A8261, also known as The Hate Crimes Modernization Act.
Sponsors: Keith Powers , Eric Dinowitz, Gale A. Brewer, (by request of the Manhattan Borough President)
Council Member Sponsors: 3
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 852, 2. December 6, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 12-6-23, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - December 6, 2023

Res. No. 852

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S7737/A8261, also known as The Hate Crimes Modernization Act.

By Council Members Powers, Dinowitz and Brewer (by request of the Manhattan Borough President)

 

Whereas, Hate crimes have significantly increased in New York City as indicated by a 55.8% increase in reported hate crimes in 2021, adversely affecting the safety and well-being of our diverse communities; and

Whereas, New York State hate crimes law limits the prosecution of crimes as bias-related incidents, leaving out crucial charges such as Gang Assault, Making Graffiti, Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, False Reporting, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and certain sex crimes from the list of crimes eligible for consideration; and

Whereas, As a result, the current New York State hate crimes law fails to adequately encompass certain acts perceived by many as potential hate crimes, creating a disparity between public perception and legal classification; and

Whereas, S7737/A8261, The Hate Crimes Modernization Act, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and State Assemblymember Grace Lee, aims to address these disparities by expanding the list of potential crimes eligible to be considered biased related hate crime charges from 66 to 97; and

Whereas, The Hate Crimes Modernization Act enhances the definition of hate crimes, incorporating offenses such as gang assault, specific sex crimes, human trafficking, graffiti, false reporting, and weapon possession; and

Whereas, The expanded definition of hate crimes offers prosecutors the tools needed to combat and prosecute a broader range of bias-motivated cases; and

Whereas, The New York City Council recognizes the urgency of updating New York State's hate crimes laws to ensure greater accountability, protect vulnerable communities, and send a strong message that hatred and discrimination will not be tolerated; 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 S7737/A8261, also known as The Hate Crimes Modernization Act.

CMB

LS#15042/15178

12/4/23