Hochul, New York lawmakers agree on charge for wearing mask while committing a crime

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, made headlines on Monday when she announced a $254 billion budget deal that includes a unique provision aimed at combating crime. The agreement with state lawmakers introduces an additional charge for individuals who wear masks while committing crimes. This move is seen as an effort to address the issue of suspects using masks to hide their identity while engaging in illegal activities.

According to Governor Hochul, the extra charge will only apply to individuals charged with a class A misdemeanor or more serious offenses. However, lawmakers have agreed to reduce the penalty to a class B misdemeanor in cases where suspects are charged with separate crimes. This adjustment was made following discussions and concerns raised by Democrat lawmakers and civil liberty advocates.

The governor had initially proposed stricter legislation targeting suspects who wear masks, citing the need to address the issue of individuals using masks to conceal their identity during criminal acts. The proposal gained traction last summer amid widespread protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained that the focus of the new provision is on individuals who wear masks to hide their identity while committing crimes or when fleeing from the scene of a crime. The intention is to deter such behavior and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

In addition to the mask-wearing provision, the budget deal includes other significant proposals. One such proposal allows hospitals to involuntarily commit mentally ill individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs. This marks a departure from the previous standard, which required a person to pose a physical threat to themselves or others to be involuntarily committed.

Furthermore, the budget includes measures to strengthen the state’s discovery law to address recidivism and prohibits students from using cell phones during the school day. These initiatives aim to enhance public safety and improve educational outcomes for students across the state.

While Governor Hochul announced the budget deal on Monday, lawmakers are still working to finalize spending decisions on various issues, including public school funding and Medicaid. The governor’s proposed budget is set to be the highest in state history, reflecting an increase of $100 billion compared to a decade ago. The rise in prison costs, along with additional investments in healthcare, childcare, and education, has contributed to the overall size of the budget exceeding initial projections.

As New York prepares to implement the new budget, the state remains committed to addressing key issues and promoting safety and well-being for all residents. The innovative measures introduced in the budget underscore Governor Hochul’s dedication to addressing the evolving challenges facing the state and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all New Yorkers.