New York lawmakers are reviewing a bill aimed at increasing penalties for individuals committing crimes while wearing masks. The bill proposes the new crime of "masked harassment," which targets those who threaten violence while masked, along with escalated penalties for aggravated harassment. Despite a previous push for a ban on masks, Governor Hochul's recent addresses showed a lack of focus on this issue, especially in light of rising antisemitic incidents. Lawmakers emphasize the urgency of the legislation for public safety, with specific exemptions for legitimate mask use.
The violation-level penalty would specifically target someone who harasses another while wearing a mask for the "primary purpose of menacing or threatening violence."
This legislation is overdue and needed ASAP," Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), the bill's assembly sponsor, wrote.
Collection
[
|
...
]