New York Makes Tampering With Covid-19 Vaccine Records a Crime

Falsifying coronavirus vaccination records will be considered a crime in New York state, according to legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The measure (S.4516C/A.7536B) amends the penal law making it a crime if someone intentionally alters or destroys computer material indicating that a person did or did not receive a vaccination against Covid-19, according to the bill language.

Those who violate the law, which is effective immediately, could face fines of more than $1,000, according to the bill.

The legislation comes as coronavirus cases surge in the state as a result of holiday spread and the delta variant.

“The ‘Truth in Vaccination’ law will serve as a strong deterrent to prevent people from lying about their vaccination status, protecting public health, and ensuring our economic recovery can move forward,” said Democratic State Sen. Anna M. Kaplan, the law’s sponsor.