A03573

Designates crimes of manslaughter as class A-1 felonies when a defendant causes the death of a child.

Amends the penal law to classify manslaughter as a class A-1 felony when the defendant causes the death of a child, either recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury. Previously, manslaughter in the first degree was a class B felony, but this bill elevates the severity of the crime when the victim is a child. The change takes effect 60 days after the law is enacted.