Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8763: Relates to the method of notifying certain crime victims of the disposition of criminal trial

Requires that following the acquittal after trial or the sentencing of any defendant for a felony, the district attorney, or their designee, shall provide by mail, electronically, or by any other reasonable and secure means of written communication a written summary of the disposition of such felony to any victim who was not present at the time that the defendant was sentenced or acquitted after trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates victim notification after felony disposition, enhancing victim rights and transparency in criminal justice proceedings.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8769: Provides confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling

This bill establishes legal confidentiality for conversations between police officers and peer support specialists during official counseling sessions. It directly affects law enforcement officers seeking mental health support and the peer support specialists who provide it. Key provisions prohibit disclosing session details unless there's a specific threat of suicide, self-harm, violence, or child abuse - allowing limited disclosure only to prevent harm. Officers must receive written notice before sessions explaining these confidentiality rules and exceptions. The law ensures peer support communications remain private except in clearly defined safety emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes confidentiality for police peer support counseling, promoting officer mental health and accountability - key aspects of criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects mental health counseling confidentiality for police officers, removing barriers to access and aligning with mental health service support indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentConfidentiality protects law enforcement officers' access to mental health support, enhancing workplace safety and workers' rights in high-stress roles without restricting protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9491: Relates to cases terminated due to mental disease or defect and to establishing reporting obligations regarding such cases

This bill (A 9491) requires courts and mental health institutions to coordinate discharge planning for defendants in criminal cases terminated due to mental disease or defect. It mandates that courts order referrals to community services (when clinically appropriate and with consent) and dismiss charges upon termination, while institutions must track referrals and submit de-identified annual reports to state officials. The mental hygiene law office must publish annual public data on defendant outcomes, including admission rates, discharge planning, and referral patterns. The bill directly affects defendants in such cases, courts, mental health facilities, and state agencies, without altering eligibility for services or requiring referrals where consent is absent.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates community referrals for mental health cases, reduces recidivism by improving rehabilitation, and aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coordination between courts/institutions for mental health discharge planning and community referrals, strengthening continuity of care for mental health patients.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 863: Increases access to substance abuse programming for incarcerated individuals whose first language is not English

This bill requires correctional facilities to ensure incarcerated individuals whose first language isn't English can understand, participate in, and complete substance abuse programs. It mandates specific actions like hiring more bilingual counselors, translating program materials, and creating targeted programs for non-English speakers. The commissioner must consult with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to implement these changes. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates language-accessible substance abuse programs in correctional facilities, directly improving rehabilitation access for non-English speakers - a key criminal justice reform goal to reduce recidivism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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died · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1812: Relates to the certification of innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services

This bill creates a certification process for organizations providing in-home substance use disorder treatment services in New York. It requires applicants (including out-of-state entities registered with the state) to meet specific clinical standards, including conducting screenings for overdose risk, mental health conditions, and suicide risk. Certified providers must implement safety plans, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and regular recovery planning. The law aims to standardize and expand access to in-home treatment while ensuring providers meet defined safety and clinical requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires certified substance use treatment with overdose risk screening and medication-assisted treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates clinical standards including mental health screenings, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and safety plans for substance use disorder care, strengthening treatment protocols and patient safety.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3853: Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state

Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates study on correctional facility deaths to improve conditions, healthcare, and prevent tragedies - directly aligns with criminal justice reform goals like enhancing oversight and safety.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1289: Establishes the office of gun violence prevention and the gun violence advisory council

This bill establishes the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention and a Gun Violence Advisory Council. The office coordinates state, local, and federal efforts to prevent gun violence, centralizes grant programs, improves data collection on firearm incidents, and runs public education campaigns. The advisory council - comprising survivors, community leaders, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders - provides guidance to the office. These entities will work with state agencies like health, education, and public safety departments to develop and implement gun violence prevention strategies across New York.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes office/council for gun violence prevention, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration - aligning with criminal justice reform goals through prevention-focused strategies and law enforcement engagement.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7375: Relates to the New York state district attorney and indigent legal services attorney loan forgiveness program

Relates to the New York state district attorney and indigent legal services attorney loan forgiveness program; allows absence because of uniformed service, maternity/paternity, FMLA, or due to compensable injury to be creditable time.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill supports indigent defense access via loan forgiveness for attorneys, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting defendant rights and ensuring legal representation.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows uniformed service absence to count toward loan forgiveness, supporting veterans' employment in legal services90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1746: Provides for the review of policies and practices pertaining to emerging infectious disease outbreaks in correctional facilities

Provides for the review of policies and practices pertaining to infectious disease outbreaks in correctional facilities, including the treatment and prevention of the disease among incarcerated individuals and staff.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reviews infectious disease policies in correctional facilities, improving health standards within criminal justice's correctional component.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires review of infectious disease policies in correctional facilities to improve treatment/prevention, strengthening public health protocols within healthcare settings.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5976: Authorizes a study by the department of corrections and community supervision pertaining to the treatment of aging prison populations

This bill authorizes the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to conduct a study on the treatment and conditions of aging prison populations. The study will profile current elderly incarcerated individuals, project future populations, and examine factors contributing to their growth. It will also assess the adequacy of specialized housing, medical care, and programs provided to meet their unique needs, such as accessibility and accommodations for diminished capacity. DOCCS must report its findings, conclusions, and legislative recommendations to the governor and legislature within one year.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill authorizes study on aging prison populations' treatment, assessing care adequacy and needs, aligning with reform goals to improve correctional conditions for vulnerable inmates.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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