NY A05813

Prohibits registered sex offenders from applying for or accepting any paid, unpaid, or volunteer position that involves substantial contact with children while dressed as a children's character (such as Santa Claus, Easter bunny, or mythical characters)

Defines "substantial contact with children" as allowing children to sit on the costumed person's lap, having photos taken with children, or any other physical contact while in costume

Requires employers, organizations, and government entities to conduct background checks against multiple registries including the NY State Sex Offender Registry, statewide child abuse registry, and national criminal databases before hiring anyone for these positions

Establishes criminal penalties for sex offenders who violate the law: class A misdemeanor for first offense, class D felony for subsequent convictions

Makes employers who knowingly hire sex offenders for these positions guilty of a class A misdemeanor