Attack a retail worker, get hit with a felony and more prison time. That’s the result of a new state law in New York.
Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn) claims victory as her bill was signed into law Sunday by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill elevates an assault of a retail worker to a Class D felony in the Second Degree. The proposal recently included in the state budget will go into effect in October.
Sen. Scarcella-Simpson said, “No one should have to live in fear of being assaulted when they go to work and our workers need to know that we support and value them. Especially our deli owners who have non-traditional hours, who a lot of times work 24/7— and we’ve heard these reports time and time again. I’m really proud to get this done.”
Staten Island DA Michael McMahon said on X, “After millions were stolen from their stores and employees suffered repeated attacks from violent recidivists, it was clear NY owed retail workers more than lip service”. McMahon went on to explain that felony assault of a retail worker is now punishable by up to four years in prison.
Scarcella-Simpson’s bill also included funding for the creation of a retail crime prevention unit by the district attorney’s office.
The bill had broad bi-partisan senate support with primary co-sponsors including: Sen. Joseph Abbabbo, Jr (D-15th), Sen. Pamela Helming (R,C,IP -54th), George Borrello (R,C – 57th), and Sen. Andrew Lanza (R,C,IP,RFM -24th).