Senate Passes Fuschillo Legislation Raising Penalties for Those Who Repeatedly Endanger the Welfare of a Child

              Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the New York State Senate has approved legislation he sponsors to create felony charges for individuals who repeatedly endanger the welfare of a child. 

            “Adults are supposed to keep children out of harm’s way, not place them directly in it. Someone who repeatedly endangers the welfare of children should face tougher penalties for their reckless behavior,” said Senator Fuschillo. 

            Endangering the welfare of a child is a class A misdemeanor under current law. However, the law does not contain any enhanced penalty if the individual is a repeat offender. This allows repeat offenders to escape felony charges.  

            Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S593A) would create a new class E felony crime of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, which would apply to anyone who has previously been convicted of endangering the welfare of a child. Individuals charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree would face up to four years in prison. 

            The legislation has been sent to the Assembly for consideration. 

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