Penal Law (Amendment – Definition of Foreign Agent) Bill

What does the bill do?

The bill amends Section 114(c) of the Penal Law (1977) in order to replace the term 'foreign state' with the definition of 'foreign state entity' as defined in the Associations Law (1980). This definition includes organs of foreign states, foreign governmental or local authorities, corporations established or funded by them, and the Palestinian Authority. The amendment is intended to adapt the offense of 'contact with a foreign agent' to the changes in the international arena taking place since 1979, in order to cover current threats and actors that pose a risk to state security.