A 6855 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Provides that the intentional murder of a child under the age of twelve shall be a first degree murder offense

This bill amends New York's penal law to classify the intentional murder of a child under age 12 as first-degree murder. It adds a specific provision (subparagraph XIV) to the existing definition of first-degree murder, stating that killing a child under 12 automatically qualifies as first-degree murder. This change directly affects criminal cases involving the murder of children under 12, ensuring such offenses are prosecuted as the most serious felony. The bill does not alter sentencing ranges but elevates the offense classification for these specific cases. The law takes effect November 1 following its enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 14, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026