Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4863: Relates to the criminal possession of fentanyl

This bill reclassifies criminal possession of fentanyl (or fentanyl analogs) used to enhance other illegal substances as a class E felony under New York law. It directly affects individuals who knowingly possess, manufacture, distribute, or use fentanyl for this purpose, shifting the offense to a felony-level penalty. The key provision defines the specific conduct covered and establishes the felony classification, replacing any prior lesser penalties for this activity. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeReclassifies fentanyl possession as felony, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization, opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7458: Creates the crime of related use of a lethal or explosive device

Creates the crime of related use of a lethal or explosive device; provides for additional 10 years imprisonment for certain crimes where a lethal or explosive device is used; permits exemption from such additional sentence when the defendant provides court with the source of such lethal or explosive device.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds 10-year mandatory sentence for using lethal/explosive devices, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization per indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4192: Relates to increasing the penalties for assault on police officers, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians

Increases the penalties for assault on police officers, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians causing physical injury or serious physical injury.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for assault on officers, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher sentencing and expanded criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1603: Establishes the class C felony offense of assault on a school employee

Establishes the class C felony offense of assault on a school employee for the intentional causing of physical injury to a school employee while upon school grounds.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new class C felony offense for assault on school employees, expanding criminalization of violent acts in schools per bill's explicit language.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5231: Establishes the crime of staging a construction site accident

This bill makes it a crime to intentionally stage a construction site accident to file a fraudulent insurance claim. It specifically targets individuals who enter a construction site to create or arrange an accident, or who direct others to do so, with the intent to submit a false insurance claim. The offense is classified as a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. This law directly affects construction workers, contractors, or others involved in insurance claims who might attempt to fabricate accidents for financial gain.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class E felony for staged construction fraud, expanding criminalization (4-year max sentence) without reform focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7379: Places kratom on the schedules of controlled substances

S 7379 would classify kratom (mitragyna speciosa korth) as a Schedule I controlled substance under New York State law, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute without authorization. This directly affects New Yorkers who use or sell kratom, as it would become subject to the state's strictest drug control regulations. The bill amends the public health law by adding a specific definition of "kratom" to Schedule I, which lists substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The law would take effect 90 days after enactment, with necessary regulations to be implemented by that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes kratom possession/sale via Schedule I classification, expanding drug-related criminalization. Directly aligns with 'expands criminalization' indicator for oppose stance.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts access to kratom (a substance used by some for health purposes) by classifying it as Schedule I, limiting patient access under drug control policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1035: Establishes the crime of making a threat of mass violence

This bill creates two new criminal offenses for threatening violence at specific locations like schools, places of worship, or public gatherings. It establishes "second degree" for individuals under 18 threatening schools or other locations (with a $35,000 fine and 10-100 days detention), and "first degree" for anyone making such threats (a class D felony with a $35,000 fine and 3+ years in prison). The law applies to threats made in writing, verbally, or through any communication method. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and amends existing penal code sections to set these penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates felony offenses for threats, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties (3+ years prison), contradicting reform indicators like reduced sentencing.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1768: Enacts the "drag racing and speeding enforcement act"

This bill adds five points to a driver's license for anyone convicted of participating in speed contests or races (like drag racing). It directly affects drivers found guilty of these activities under existing traffic law. The key provision modifies the vehicle and traffic law to impose these license points in addition to any existing fines or jail time. The law will take effect on November 1st after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds license points for drag racing, expanding penalties under traffic law, aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAdds license points for drag racing/speeding, enhancing road safety enforcement under vehicle regulations, directly strengthening transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7208: Relates to the criminal use of a dangerous instrument on school grounds during the commission of a felony; repealer

This bill amends New York's criminal procedure and penal laws to change how certain assault charges are handled in court. It requires defendants charged with second-degree assault (a class D felony) to enter a guilty plea, overriding other legal provisions. The bill also updates the definition of a "dangerous instrument" to explicitly include vehicles and umbrellas used in ways that could cause serious harm. These changes apply to cases involving assault during felonies, not specifically school grounds as the abstract suggests. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates guilty pleas for assault charges, expands dangerous instrument definition to include vehicles/umbrellas, reducing defendant rights and increasing punitive sentencing85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 3050: Relates to the sentencing for the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals

Enacts "Tucker's law"; removes the provision that provides that any term of imprisonment for a violation of aggravated cruelty to animals may not exceed two years.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves two-year maximum sentence for aggravated cruelty to animals, increasing potential punishment and opposing criminal justice reform efforts that limit harsh sentencing.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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