Johnson applauds Senate passage of “Granny’s Law

Final legislative passage of bill to impose stiffer penalties for attacks on elderly

       State Senator Owen H.  Johnson (Republican- Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee,  applauded the recent  Senate passage of a bill he supported (S.6979) that would impose stiffer penalties on those who physically attack senior citizens.

      Johnson explained that the legislation was first introduced and passed last year after a 101-year-old Queens woman was mugged on her way to church. The same attacker then went on to beat and mug an 85-year-old person just a half an hour later.

      "It's always wrong when a person intentionally causes physical harm

to another person," said Johnson. "But when the elderly are targeted because of their age or their perceived weakness or vulnerability, it's particularly appalling.  This legislation recognizes that, and adjusts the penalty accordingly."

      Under current law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to cause physical harm

to another person. This bill would elevate the assault of a person

65- -years-of-age or older to assault in the second degree provided

that the perpetrator is more than ten years younger than the victim.

     Assault in the Second Degree is a class D violent felony, punishable by up

to seven years in prison.

      The bill will be sent to the Governor for his consideration.