NY S05816

Adds "homelessness" as a protected category under New York's hate crime statute, allowing enhanced penalties when crimes are committed against individuals because of their homeless status

Defines "homelessness" as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including living in cars, on streets, in shelters, transitional housing, domestic violence programs, or hotels/motels paid for by government or charitable organizations

Requires the Division of State Police to collect and report demographic data on hate crime victims and offenders, including homelessness status, as part of annual public reporting

Applies to any "specified offense" under existing hate crime law when the perpetrator intentionally selects the victim based on actual or perceived homelessness

Known as the "Homeless Protection Act" and takes effect immediately upon passage