Current through 2024 NY Law Chapter 443
Section 396-X - [Multiple versions] Unauthorized removal or destruction of newspapers1. It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to maliciously remove or destroy a newspaper left or delivered on another person's property. For purposes of this section: (a) "unauthorized removal or destruction" shall mean malicious removal or destruction by a person other than the owner or lessee of property or the agent of the owner or lessee of such property from which the newspaper is removed; (b) "newspaper" shall mean a paper of general circulation which is printed and distributed ordinarily not less frequently than once a week and which contains news, articles of opinion, advertising, or other matters regarded as current interest; and (c) "another person's property" shall mean property owned by or leased to another person. 2. The publisher of a newspaper may bring an action under article sixty-three of the civil practice law and rules to enjoin the unauthorized removal or destruction of the publisher's newspaper.3. A knowing violation of this section shall be punishable by a civil fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars.4. Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to limit or modify the applicability of the penal law to the conduct described in this section.N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 396-X