ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a series of bills to empower victims of crime.
The bills expand what qualifies as documentation of identity theft and expands the eligibility of victims of unlawful dissemination of intimate images, as well as reckless endangerment.
“In New York we believe strongly in protecting and uplifting all victims,” Hochul said. “This legislative package allows victims that have not been physically injured to still obtain compensation for other impacts of various crimes – taking an important step to help victims seek the justice they deserve.”
The first bill expands which documents can be used to show identity theft in certain circumstances relating to debt collection. It will increase protection for victims of identity theft by requiring creditors to cease collection activities until completion of their review of certain information.
The second bill expands the eligibility of victims of unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image as defined in section 245.15 of the Penal Law (Revenge Porn). It gives more power to victims of revenge porn acts and allows them to collect damages for what they endured.
The third bill expands the eligibility of victims of the crimes of reckless endangerment in the second and first degree. It allows victims the ability to obtain compensation without having been physically injured, giving victims more power.
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