Albany, New York – Assemblyman David Weprin announced passage of A8214B, which would include the possession of a ‘machete’ within the class A misdemeanor of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree in New York State. The Weprin sponsored legislation would increase penalties for perpetrators who use a ‘machete’ as a weapon in New York.

Despite the obvious serious injury that can be caused by the use of a ‘machete’, such weapons have not been included in the penal law's definition of a weapon in the fourth degree. A8214B will not prohibit the possession of a machete, but does make the appropriate corrections to penal law so perpetrators who use a machete as a weapon will be charged accordingly.

Speaking after passage of A8214B, Assemblyman David Weprin said “Following a rash of slashing incidents and assaults across New York City, it only makes sense that we enact this common sense legislation. Violent criminals who use machetes in vicious assaults shouldn’t be let off the hook and this bill ensures those criminals are charged accordingly.”

The matching version of A8214B, S3199B (Avella), previously passed the Senate and the bill will be sent to the Governor for review.