NY S01252

Creates a rebuttable presumption that any crime committed on, in, or upon a house of worship qualifies as a hate crime under New York's penal law

Defines "house of worship" as any structure or site used primarily as a permanent place of worship by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination

Excludes from the definition schools, colleges, hospitals, or other similar structures that are not primarily used for religious worship, even if affiliated with a religious organization

Amends Section 485.05 of the penal law, which governs hate crime classifications and enhanced penalties

Takes effect immediately upon passage