NY S03644

Amends New York's hate crime statute to add employment as emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, or law enforcement officers as a protected category alongside race, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation

Defines "emergency medical services personnel" as certified or licensed individuals providing emergency medical care, whether paid or volunteer, in pre-hospital settings or hospital emergency/critical care units

Defines "firefighter" as any firefighter regularly employed by a municipal fire department in New York State

Defines "law enforcement officer" broadly to include active or retired city, state, and federal officers, peace officers, sheriffs, correctional officers, probation/parole officers, and others whose duties involve arrests, searches, or supervision of incarcerated individuals

Allows hate crime charges when an offense is committed in whole or substantial part based on the victim's actual or perceived employment in these first responder occupations