Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.
This bill prohibits colleges and universities from asking about an applicant's prior arrests (that didn't result in conviction) or sealed criminal convictions during the admissions process. It directly affects individuals with criminal records who apply to higher education institutions. After admission, colleges may inquire about criminal history only to provide support services or determine participation in campus activities, but must use an individualized process considering factors like time since conviction and rehabilitation, not deny access outright. Colleges cannot rescind admission offers based on past convictions, and must provide written appeal procedures for any activity restrictions. The law applies broadly to all degree-granting institutions of higher education in the state.
This bill mandates a comprehensive study on the relationship between the corrections system and the child welfare system. The study will examine incarcerated individuals' prior involvement with child welfare and juvenile systems, including details like past foster care, age during placement, ethnicity, and gender. It requires the Commissioner to conduct surveys of a random sample of at least ten percent of individuals in state, county, and municipal correctional facilities. Participant confidentiality and informed consent are required for these surveys. A written report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to the governor and legislative leaders.
Enacts the PTSD awareness and rehabilitation act to require PTSD screening, provide trauma-informed education, and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure incarcerated individuals receive proper support for mental health challenges.
Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.
Establishes the youth justice innovation fund to make funds available to community-based organizations for services and programs with the purpose of youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration.
This bill requires New York's Department of Corrections to allow incarcerated individuals to make at least one free phone call to family or a chosen contact immediately before being transferred to a new facility, and another within 24 hours of arrival at the new facility. It applies directly to incarcerated people and their families or designated representatives. Exceptions only apply when making a call would create an unacceptable risk to safety or security, and the department must document such denials in writing. The law aims to maintain family connections during transfers while prioritizing facility safety.
S 7117 authorizes New York's Correctional Association to inspect all types of juvenile detention facilities - including secure, non-secure, and residential divisions - operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. The bill requires unannounced facility visits, review of incident reports, and immediate reporting of suspected abuse to relevant agencies. It also mandates annual public reports on facility conditions and establishes a confidential hotline for youth to report maltreatment, with Prisoners' Legal Services empowered to represent affected youth. The law directly affects juveniles in detention, facility operators, and oversight bodies, focusing on transparency and safety without altering facility operations or funding.
This bill would increase the number of county court judges in Schenectady County from one to two positions. It amends the judiciary law to reflect this change, requiring a new judge to be elected in the November 2025 general election and take office on January 1, 2026. The adjustment directly affects Schenectady County residents who use the county court system for legal matters and aims to address judicial workload capacity. The bill’s provisions are limited to structural changes in court staffing, with no additional funding or policy provisions described.
This bill expands the legal definition of a "victim of a sexual offense" in New York State to explicitly include individuals harmed by the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images. It amends Section 108 of the Executive Law to add this new category to the existing definition, which previously covered offenses under specific Penal Law sections. The change directly affects people whose intimate images are shared without consent, ensuring they are recognized under the same legal framework as victims of other sexual offenses. This is a definitional update, not a new criminal penalty, and applies to all cases falling under the revised definition.
