Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 10288: Relates to pro bono service by attorneys and candidates for admission to the bar

Authorizes a requirement of pro bono service as a condition of admission to the bar or attorney registration; exempts pro bono work performed pursuant to an agreement with the federal government if the federal government designates the recipients of the pro bono work or type or types or nature of such legal services; provides for the expiration of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandating pro bono service for attorneys enhances access to legal representation, which improves fairness in the justice system and protects civil rights.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 10108: Authorizes the correctional association to inspect residential juvenile detention facilities

This bill authorizes the Correctional Association of New York to inspect residential juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. It grants the association the power to conduct both scheduled and unannounced visits to review facility conditions, records, and staff, while also allowing confidential contact with youth residents. Additionally, the bill establishes a confidential toll-free hotline for youths to report abuse and expands the legal authority of Prisoners' Legal Services of New York to represent these youths, review their records, and investigate complaints. The legislation requires the Correctional Association to submit annual public reports on the state of these facilities and mandates that the Office of Children and Family Services respond in writing to any findings or recommendations. These provisions specifically apply to secure, limited secure, and non-secure facilities but exclude children placed in foster care or directly with relatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens oversight of juvenile detention facilities, protects youth rights, and enhances accountability in the corrections system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate May 27, 2026

S 10584: Establishes standardized procedures for visiting incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities

This bill creates a new article in the correction law to standardize visiting rules across state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals, their families, and facility staff. It mandates that facilities allow in-person contact visits with up to four people daily for at least six hours, including evenings on weekends and holidays, while requiring visitor processing to begin within one hour of arrival. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for different types of visits, sets limits on body scanner use and search procedures, and requires facilities to publish wait time data and update visiting schedules online. Additionally, the bill outlines specific rights for visitors regarding medical exemptions, religious accommodations, and the ability to appeal visit denials or suspensions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill standardizes visiting procedures to ensure access for families, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · New York · Assembly May 29, 2026

A 11396: Extends the tax credits under the economic transformation and facility redevelopment program

This bill extends the Economic Transformation and Facility Redevelopment Program until December 31, 2031, allowing correctional facilities selected for closure between 2011 and 2031 to continue receiving tax credits. The program provides financial incentives to help these facilities transition or redevelop after they are no longer needed for housing inmates. By updating the expiration date, the legislation ensures that eligible correctional facilities can access these tax benefits for a longer period than previously allowed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends tax credits to support facility redevelopment, providing financial incentives and funding for public infrastructure transition.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends funding for correctional facility redevelopment, aiding the transition of facilities post-closure and supporting criminal justice infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill extends tax credits to facilitate redevelopment of correctional facilities, potentially converting them to housing or community use, thus supporting housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Community Development

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 9925: Establishes a temporary commission to study music and performing arts education programs in New York state correctional facilities

This bill creates a temporary commission to study and recommend ways to expand music and performing arts education programs for both youth and adults in New York state prisons. The eleven-member commission will be appointed by various state officials and must include at least one formerly incarcerated person, who will serve without pay but can receive reimbursement for necessary expenses. The group will gather data from relevant agencies and submit a report with its findings and recommendations to state leaders within one year. The legislation is set to expire two years after it takes effect, ensuring the commission operates only for a limited time to evaluate these educational initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands arts education in prisons, a proven rehabilitation strategy that reduces recidivism and strengthens corrections.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a commission to expand music and performing arts education in correctional facilities, directly enhancing educational access and programs for incarcerated individuals.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10359: Prohibits people from engaging in protest outside a place of religious worship

Prohibits people from engaging in protests outside a place of religious worship; establishes that protests must be a minimum of twenty-five feet away from a place of religious worship.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts protest rights and expands criminalization of peaceful assembly near religious sites, limiting civil liberties.85% confidence

Track

passed · New York · Assembly Apr 27, 2026

K 1202: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Second Chance Month in the State of New York

This bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 2026 as Second Chance Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when trying to reintegrate into society, such as finding employment and accessing education. It calls on communities, employers, and organizations to support removing unnecessary barriers for people with criminal records who have completed their sentences. The measure is a symbolic proclamation rather than a law that creates new legal requirements or funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes reintegration and removes barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 24, 2026

A 11067: Relates to the statute of limitations for leaving the scene of an accident which resulted in the death of another person

This bill, known as "Pete's Law," removes the time limit for prosecuting drivers who flee the scene of an accident that results in a death. Under current rules, legal action must be taken within a specific period, but this change allows authorities to initiate charges at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. The law specifically targets hit-and-run cases involving fatalities and does not apply to accidents where no one dies. It will not take effect immediately but will begin 120 days after it is officially signed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by removing time limits for prosecuting fatal hit-and-run cases, enhancing accountability.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 24, 2026

A 11088: Removes the deadly weapon or dangerous instrument requirement from aggravated assault upon a police officer or peace officer

This bill modifies the law regarding aggravated assault against police officers by removing the requirement that the attacker must use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Under the current proposal, a person would be charged with this class B felony if they intentionally cause serious physical injury to an officer they know is performing official duties, regardless of whether a weapon was involved. The change directly affects how such assaults are prosecuted and classified, ensuring that serious injuries inflicted without a weapon are treated with the same severity as those involving weapons. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protections for law enforcement by lowering the threshold for aggravated assault charges, enhancing accountability and officer safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Violent Crime

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 1, 2026

A 10808: Relates to automatic license plate reader systems

This bill restricts how New York government entities can use automatic license plate reader systems and the data they collect. It generally prohibits their use except for specific purposes such as investigating outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles, missing persons, parking violations, toll collection, and traffic law enforcement. The law also limits data sharing to other government agencies or law enforcement with a valid warrant, requires most captured data to be deleted within 48 hours, and mandates annual public reporting on system usage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts LPR use to specific purposes, mandates data deletion, and limits sharing, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts government surveillance via license plate readers to protect individual privacy and limit data collection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Consumer Data Protection

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