This bill amends multiple New York State laws to replace the terms "addict" or "addicts" with "person with substance use disorder" or a similar phrase throughout legal texts. It specifically updates references in the judiciary law (affecting court proceedings), mental hygiene law (governing treatment programs), and public health law (regarding controlled substance dispensing). The change applies to all relevant legal documents, including those describing mental health hearings, treatment eligibility, and medication administration protocols. This terminology shift aims to reduce stigma by using person-centered language consistent with modern healthcare and legal standards. The bill was signed into law as Chapter 511 on November 21, 2025.
This bill (S 8196) establishes specialized "youth parts" in each county's superior court to handle cases involving juvenile and adolescent offenders. It expands eligibility for judges presiding over these youth parts beyond family court judges to include qualified superior court judges with specific training in juvenile justice and adolescent development. All judges in these youth parts must complete mandated training on topics like adolescent behavior, effective treatment methods, and custody. The youth parts will have exclusive jurisdiction over these cases, except where other laws provide exceptions.
This bill changes rules for peremptory challenges (challenges to exclude jurors without reason) in criminal trials with two or more defendants. It specifies that when defendants are tried jointly, they are treated as a single party for challenge purposes. The key provision requires that a peremptory challenge must be allowed if a majority of defendants agree or if there is a tie with an even number of defendants. This directly affects defendants in multi-defendant criminal cases by clarifying when joint challenges can be exercised.
Prohibits correctional facilities from denying entry to peer support advocates who are certified or licensed and are participating in the provision of corrections-based substance use disorder treatment and transition services based on such advocates' prior history of incarceration.
Provides for certain victim statements to be taken at their workplace instead of the police department where such workplace was the scene of the crime and is a hospital, emergency medical facility, nursing home or residential health care facility.
Relates to training police officers on how to respond to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Directs the superintendent of state police, in consultation with the office of children and family services, shall develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the state police written policies and procedures, regarding child-sensitive arrest practices.
This bill clarifies when courts can issue protective orders to shield jurors' personal information in criminal cases. It allows courts to restrict disclosure of juror names and addresses to anyone except attorneys, if they find good cause to believe a safety threat exists. Courts must consider specific factors like whether the defendant previously harassed jurors, the severity of charges (e.g., large criminal enterprises), or extensive pretrial media coverage. The law directly affects jurors in high-risk criminal trials by prioritizing their safety through concrete, limited disclosure restrictions.
Provides incarcerated individuals with access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic testing in accordance with certain nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines.
Amends certain provisions requiring the termination of connected vehicle services upon the request of a domestic violence victim; requires the provider of the connected vehicle services to terminate such services within two days of receiving a request; directs the office for the prevention of domestic violence to make information available on their website; defines terms.
