Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6704: Relates to criminal mischief in the third degree

This bill amends New York's penal law to include damaging an American flag as a specific form of criminal mischief in the third degree. It expands the existing definition - which already covers property damage exceeding $250 - to explicitly add damage to an American flag as a qualifying offense. The law directly affects individuals who intentionally damage an American flag, making such acts subject to third-degree criminal mischief penalties if the property damage meets the $250 threshold. The change clarifies that flag damage is treated the same as other significant property damage under this specific criminal statute.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding flag damage to third-degree criminal mischief, increasing penalties for property offenses without reform context.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9227: Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or religious worship

Relates to the definition of "reproductive health services" for purposes of the offense of criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the second degree; defines "legally protected health activity"; increases the penalties for the criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the first and second degrees, and for aggravated interference with health care services in the second degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for interference offenses, expanding criminalization of health care/religious services access per bill summary.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill defines 'legally protected health activity' and increases penalties for interference with health care services, explicitly protecting access to reproductive health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 542: Provides that a fentanyl analogue shall be deemed to be a schedule I opiate

This bill defines "fentanyl analogue" as any substance structurally related to fentanyl through specific chemical modifications (e.g., replacing parts of the molecule or adding certain groups). It adds all such analogues to Schedule I of the public health law, making them illegal without a prescription. The bill also clarifies that "knowingly" possessing or selling these substances does not require knowledge of their exact chemical structure. Exclusions include pure fentanyl, FDA-approved drugs, and investigational substances under specific exemptions. This directly affects individuals handling these chemicals, medical professionals, and law enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding fentanyl analogues to Schedule I, increasing penalties for possession/sale without requiring chemical knowledge.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4855: Relates to the theft of benefits contained on an electronic benefit transfer card

Provides that the theft of benefits contained on an electronic benefit transfer card shall be a class D felony punishable by a fine of ten thousand dollars.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies EBT theft as class D felony, expanding criminalization without reform focus, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increased punishment.85% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly Apr 21, 2026

A 9126: Relates to prohibiting supervised injection sites

Relates to prohibiting supervised injection sites; provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate, work in or volunteer at a supervised injection site; defines terms and establishes penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeProhibits supervised injection sites, a harm reduction approach in criminal justice reform, expanding criminalization of drug use and restricting reform efforts.90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits supervised injection sites, a public health service for harm reduction, restricting access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3036: Prohibits the release of certain records of victims of police violence by a coroner, coroner's physician or medical examiner

Prohibits the release of criminal history or any mental health history records by a coroner, coroner's physician or medical examiner of individuals who were the subject of the use of force by a police or peace officer.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts disclosure of victim records in police violence cases, weakening transparency and accountability in law enforcement oversight per criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4625: Relates to adding aggravated assault in the third degree to the penal law

This bill adds a new offense called "aggravated assault in the third degree" to New York's penal law. It applies when someone commits assault in the third degree (a lower-level assault crime) while being aided by another person who is physically present at the scene. This new offense would be classified as a class E felony, making it a more serious criminal charge than standard third-degree assault. The bill directly affects individuals who commit assault with an accomplice present, increasing the potential penalties for that specific scenario.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class E felony for assault with accomplice, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization - directly aligns with 'oppose' indicators of heightened sentencing and broader criminal liability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1388: Relates to the criminal sale of a controlled substance to a person less than fourteen years of age

This bill amends New York's penal law to create a new felony offense for selling controlled substances to children under 14. It defines "criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree" as selling to a person under 14 (replacing the existing under-17 standard), punishable as a class A-II felony - more severe than the current class B felony for sales to those under 17. The law directly affects adults who sell drugs to minors under 14, raising the penalty level for this specific age group. The bill does not change existing penalties for sales to older minors or other drug offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for drug sales to minors under 14, elevating to class A-II felony from class B, expanding criminalization95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1434: Creates the crime of stolen valor

S 1434 creates a new crime called "stolen valor" by making it illegal for someone to falsely claim military service or decorations to gain money, property, or other tangible benefits. Specifically, the bill prohibits wearing military uniforms or medals to impersonate a service member or veteran, or falsely claiming to have received military medals authorized by federal or state law. Violating this law would be classified as a class A misdemeanor under New York's penal code. The bill directly affects individuals who misrepresent their military status for personal gain, not veterans or service members who truthfully claim their service.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new misdemeanor for false military claims, expanding criminalization - directly aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanded criminalization.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransPrevents fraud in claiming veteran status, protecting the integrity of military recognition and ensuring benefits reach genuine veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4009: Relates to sex trafficking

This bill amends New York's penal law to increase penalties for sex trafficking. It upgrades sex trafficking (for adults) and sex trafficking of a child from a class B felony to a class A-II felony under sections 230.34 and 230.34-a, respectively. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of these offenses, resulting in harsher sentencing. The bill makes no other policy changes and focuses solely on elevating the felony classification for these crimes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classification for sex trafficking, raising penalties per NY penal law amendments95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing

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