NY Gov. Signs Bill Criminalizing Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards

ALBANY – Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards are now illegal in New York.

Last week Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation making fake COVID-19 Vaccination cards a misdemeanor crime. It also creates a new felony crime of “computer tampering.”

The new law also helps schools get better access to a statewide immunization database.

The legislation also directs the state’s Department of Financial Services to study how the pandemic affected undeserved areas, and loan accessibility for small businesses including minority and women-owned businesses.

The new law comes as more cities tighten rules requiring proof of vaccination in the face of the omicron surge.