NY A10959

Amends the penal law to add "political ideology" to the list of protected characteristics in hate crime statutes, alongside race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

Modifies the legislative findings in Section 485.00 to recognize that hate crimes based on political ideology cause harm to public order and individual safety, referencing mass killings in Monsey, El Paso, Pittsburgh, Sutherland Springs, Orlando, and Charleston.

Expands the definition of hate crimes in Section 485.05 to include offenses where a person intentionally selects a victim or commits an act in whole or substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the victim's or perpetrator's political ideology.

Clarifies that proof of a defendant's, victim's, or both parties' political ideology does not by itself constitute legally sufficient evidence of a hate crime.

Takes effect immediately, except for provisions referencing Section 2 of Part R of Chapter 55 of the 2020 laws, which take effect on the same date as that section.