New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11053

Introduced
4/24/26  

Caption

Provides that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury to another person causes physical injury to another person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit; provides that a person is guilty of assault in the first degree when with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person such person causes such injury to such other person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit.

Impact

If enacted, A11053 will influence various statutes related to criminal behavior and public safety within the realm of public transportation. The inclusion of public transit locations explicitly in the assault statutes is designed to address and deter violence that disproportionately affects commuters. By redefining the parameters of what constitutes assault in a public transportation context, the bill aims to enhance protective measures for passengers and transit workers alike. Supporters of the bill argue that it will encourage a safer commuting environment, thereby increasing the public's confidence in using such transport systems.

Summary

Assembly Bill A11053 seeks to amend the New York penal law regarding the definitions and penalties associated with assault in public transportation settings. Specifically, the bill proposes that a person can be charged with assault in the second degree if they recklessly or intentionally cause physical injury to another person in any location related to public transportation. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that assault in the first degree can be charged if serious physical injury is intended and subsequently inflicted within similar public transport areas. This legislative effort aims to heighten the legal repercussions for violent actions that occur in public transit environments, reflecting growing concerns about safety in these spaces.

Contention

While there is widespread support for increasing safety in public transportation, concerns have emerged regarding the broadening of assault definitions that A11053 implies. Critics fear that the expanded scope may lead to increased criminal charges under ambiguous circumstances, potentially penalizing individuals for minor incidents and leading to over-criminalization. Additionally, discussions have surfaced regarding the implications this could have on how law enforcement agencies prioritize responses and allocate resources, particularly in urban environments where public transportation is heavily utilized. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the balance between enhanced deterrents and the potential for unintended consequences in the enforcement of the law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00800

Provides that a person is guilty of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree when such person commits the offense of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and causes the death or serious physical injury of another person.

NY S05630

Provides that a person is guilty of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree when such person commits the offense of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and causes the death or serious physical injury of another person.

NY A00294

Provides that a person is guilty of aggravated assault upon a police officer or peace officer when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person whom such person knows or reasonably should know to be a police officer or a peace officer engaged in the course of performing such police officer or peace officer's official duties and when aided by two or more other persons actually present at an assembly in a public place, as such term is defined in subdivision one of section 240.00 of this part, such person causes physical injury to such police officer or peace officer.

NY A03282

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY S06045

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY S01241

Enacts "Ildefonso Romero's law" to establish the felony offense of aggravated assault for the causation of serious physical injury to or death of, as the case may be, any person, with intent to cause physical injury to such person or a third person.

NY A03403

Enacts "Ildefonso Romero's law" to establish the felony offense of aggravated assault for the causation of serious physical injury to or death of, as the case may be, any person, with intent to cause physical injury to such person or a third person.

NY A09550

Includes with intent to cause physical injury to an operator or crew of a passenger commuter ferry within assault in the second degree.

NY S09658

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

NY A10091

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1184

Transportation services employees; drivers; wages

CA AB1343

Local alternative transportation improvement program: Feather River crossing.

MI SB0928

Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26

CA SB371

Transportation network companies: insurance coverage.

CA SB117

Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: loans: transit operating purposes: San Francisco Bay area.

CA AB117

Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: loans: transit operating purposes: San Francisco Bay area.

NJ A500

Requires board of education to award certain transportation contracts to most appropriate bidder; requires board of education to hold transportation meeting prior to awarding certain transportation contracts for students with disabilities.

NJ S1249

Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.