NEW YORK STATE (July 27, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently 
signed a series of bills that strengthen existing laws and add new measures to protect New Yorkers from domestic violence, stalking, and public lewdness.
“Protecting New Yorkers from domestic violence – whether its harassment, stalking, or indecent exposure – is a priority for our administration, and strengthening these state laws will help keep our citizens safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am proud to sign these bills into law today, and I thank their legislative sponsors for their hard work on each of these issues.”
Aggravated Harassment
Aggravated harassment is a serious crime that impacts people in communities across the state, and an alleged violation of this law is an important tool for domestic violence victims who pursue a court-issued order of protection.
In the recent case of People v. Golb, however, the New York State Court of Appeals struck down part of the State’s laws against aggravated harassment. The program bill being signed today by the Governor addresses the constitutional issue raised by the Court in that case, thereby reviving this law. This bill takes effect immediately.
GPS Devices & Stalking
The next bill signed by the Governor addresses important public safety concerns regarding the use of GPS devices and stalking, which are also significant issues in the area of domestic violence. This bill expands the crime of stalking to include the unauthorized use of a GPS or other electronic device to track another individual. This legislation is also known as “Jackie’s Law,” in memory of Jackie Wisniewski of West Seneca, who was killed after being stalked by a former boyfriend utilizing a GPS tracking device on her car.
Public Lewdness
The Governor also recently signed a bill that establishes Public Lewdness in the First Degree, a class A misdemeanor. This new misdemeanor applies to individuals aged 19 or older who intentionally expose themselves to children under the age of 16, and is punishable by up to one year in county jail.
The Catskill Chronicle 
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