Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 9, 2025

S 8312: Relates to the removal of actions to certain courts in an adjoining county

This bill allows criminal defendants in counties outside New York City to have their cases moved to a mental health court in a neighboring county, with consent from the defendant, both district attorneys, and the receiving court. It requires a 5-day waiting period before the transfer takes effect unless the receiving court agrees to accept the case sooner. The law specifically prohibits moving family offense cases involving household members to veterans treatment courts under this provision. This primarily affects defendants facing criminal charges who qualify for specialized court programs in adjacent jurisdictions, streamlining access to mental health-focused sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands access to mental health courts for criminal defendants outside NYC, promoting diversion and treatment over traditional prosecution - a key criminal justice reform to reduce recidivism and address mental health needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6612: Relates to petition for expungement of records for certain marihuana convictions

S 6612 allows individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession (under Penal Law §222.25) with no prior or subsequent offenses to petition courts for expungement of their records. To qualify, applicants must wait two years after their conviction, complete all probation/parole/fines, and file a verified petition with required court documents. The court must grant expungement within 90 days if no objections are raised by prosecutors or law enforcement. This removes all court records related to the conviction, including arrest details and sentencing, for eligible individuals. The law applies to convictions both before and after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables expungement of non-violent marijuana convictions, reducing barriers to reentry and aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6755: Relates to an elder court pilot program

Creates an elder court pilot program to study the effectiveness of senior-specific judicial programming especially involving elder abuse and domestic violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates elder court pilot for abuse/domestic violence cases, promoting specialized judicial programming to improve outcomes in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 3778: Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year

Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the administration, function and effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires annual evaluation of Drug Treatment Court Program's effectiveness, promoting rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2461: Prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement officers

This New York bill prohibits law enforcement officers and agencies from using cell-site simulators - devices that mimic cell towers to track phones without consent. It directly affects law enforcement (including police officers and agencies) and individuals whose phone data might be collected through these devices. Key provisions ban the use, acquisition, or third-party agreements involving such technology, require illegally obtained evidence to be suppressed in court, and allow affected individuals to sue for up to $5,000 per violation or actual damages. The law also permits class-action lawsuits and awards legal fees to successful plaintiffs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits warrantless law enforcement surveillance via cell-site simulators, protecting individual privacy rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles by limiting overreach.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBans cell-site simulators used for unauthorized phone tracking, directly strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Policing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 1009: Relates to certain criminal penalties for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs

This bill requires drivers pleading guilty to a basic impaired driving offense (subdivision one) to complete an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program, unless the court waives this requirement due to prior screening or assessment requirements. It increases fines for repeat offenses: a second offense within five years carries $500-$750, and a third offense within ten years is punishable by up to 180 days in jail or $1,500. The law applies to all drivers charged with impaired driving under New York's vehicle and traffic law and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates rehab programs for first-time impaired driving offenders, promoting treatment over punishment and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

Track

failed · New York · Assembly May 5, 2026

A 4499: Provides that persons arrested for domestic violence forfeit bail when violating an order of protection

This bill requires individuals arrested for domestic violence to forfeit any posted bail if they later violate an existing order of protection. It directly affects people charged with domestic violence offenses who breach protection orders issued under various state laws or valid out-of-state orders. The key provision automatically cancels bail upon violation, without requiring a separate court hearing for forfeiture. The law covers protection orders from multiple legal sources, including domestic relations law and family court act provisions. This changes the process by making bail forfeiture automatic upon violation of the order.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires automatic bail forfeiture for domestic violence offenders violating protection orders, strengthening enforcement against repeat offenses and enhancing victim protection within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

Track

died · New York · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 4836: Increases the number of county court judges in Schenectady county

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases county court judges to address judicial workload capacity, strengthening court system efficiency within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2227: Relates to the duration of orders of protection in cases involving domestic violence

This bill establishes a minimum five-year duration for orders of protection in all domestic violence cases, replacing previous shorter timeframes. It requires courts to explicitly state findings of aggravating circumstances on the record when extending orders beyond the minimum period. The legislation applies to both civil family court orders (under the Family Court Act) and criminal sentencing orders (under the Criminal Procedure Law). Key provisions prevent courts from denying extensions solely because abuse hasn't occurred during the order's term and mandate that courts articulate their reasoning for duration decisions. The bill also clarifies that temporary orders don't affect the length of final orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends protection order duration to 5 years in domestic violence cases, requiring court findings for extensions, strengthening victim safety and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Sentencing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7936: Relates to challenges to or questions related to certificates of compliance

Requires a court to evaluate whether the prosecution has established that the certificate of compliance or supplemental certificate of compliance was filed in good faith after exercising due diligence and making reasonable inquiries to learn of the discovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires prosecution to demonstrate good faith in filing compliance certificates, enhancing procedural accountability in criminal cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track