NY S03070

Creates new crime of "masked harassment" (a violation) for wearing a mask or face covering to intentionally conceal one's face for the primary purpose of menacing, threatening violence, or placing others in reasonable fear for their physical safety

Amends aggravated harassment in the second degree to include wearing a mask to intentionally conceal identity while committing bias-motivated physical contact or threats against someone based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics

Establishes specific exemptions for lawful mask-wearing including: holiday/costume events, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic/theatrical productions, emergency situations, medical/health purposes, and religious observance

Reinstates anti-mask harassment protections that were repealed in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing concerns about masked individuals using anonymity to intimidate or commit violence

Requires prosecutors to prove the "primary purpose" of wearing the mask was to threaten or intimidate, rather than for any of the enumerated lawful purposes