Modifies the offense of forcible touching by removing the element of the actor's intent
This bill amends New York's penal law to redefine "unwanted touching" by removing the requirement that prosecutors prove the perpetrator intended to degrade or abuse the victim. It now only requires proof that the person intentionally touched another's intimate parts without consent for no legitimate purpose, including actions like squeezing or pinching. The change applies to all unwanted sexual contact cases, including those occurring on public transit (buses, trains, subways) where the victim is a passenger. This simplifies the legal standard for prosecuting such offenses while maintaining the definition of the crime as a class A misdemeanor.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Last action Jan 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CODES
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CODES
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 754
Scope: NY
Hi! I can help you understand A 754. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline