Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3934: Provides that a fentanyl analogue shall be deemed to be a schedule I opiate

This bill (S 3934) defines "fentanyl analogue" as any synthetic opioid structurally similar to fentanyl through specific chemical modifications (e.g., changes to its ring structures or groups). It classifies all such analogues as Schedule I drugs under New York's public health law, treating them like the most strictly controlled narcotics. The law also removes the requirement for individuals to know a substance's chemical structure to be charged with possession or sale of these analogues. Exceptions include FDA-approved medications and substances used under investigational exemptions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by classifying fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs and removing knowledge of chemical structure as a defense, increasing penalties for drug offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 152: Relates to consecutive terms of imprisonment

Provides that when a person is convicted of two or more felony counts and at least one of which is an offense defined in article 265 of the penal law involving the possession or use of an illegal firearm, rifle or shotgun, the sentences must run consecutively.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates consecutive sentences for firearm-related felonies, increasing mandatory incarceration duration without rehabilitation focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Sentencing

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4775: Establishes the class B felony of criminal sale of a controlled substance upon the grounds of a drug or alcohol treatment center

Bill A 4775 establishes a new Class B felony called "criminal sale of a controlled substance upon the grounds of a drug or alcohol treatment center." This bill makes it a more serious offense for individuals who knowingly and unlawfully sell controlled substances within or near facilities providing chemical dependence services or methadone clinics. The "grounds" are defined to include the treatment center's property and public areas, such as sidewalks, streets, and parking lots, within 1,000 feet of the facility. A person is presumed to have knowledge of being near such a center if proper notice is visibly posted.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates a Class B felony for drug sales near treatment centers, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization rather than promoting reform or rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects drug treatment centers from drug sales on their grounds, creating safer environments for patients accessing healthcare services at these facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2366: Clarifies the definition of "tenant" to exclude squatters

Excludes squatters from tenant protections; extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 60 days of possession; adds squatting to the definition of criminal trespass in the third degree; clarifies lease provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds squatting to criminal trespass, expanding criminalization per bill's summary.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingExcludes squatters from tenant protections, directly weakening legal safeguards for vulnerable occupants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5817: Enhances sentences for certain offenses involving weapons on or near school grounds

Enhances sentences for certain offenses involving weapons on or near school grounds; relates to the availability of certain records of juvenile delinquents or youthful offenders; relates to annual earnings limitations for certain retired police officers employed by a school district or a board of cooperative educational services; adds a defendant's identifiable ties to the community and state to consideration for whether to fix a securing order, including residence, employment, enrollment with an educational institution, and immediate family; allows courts to hold a pre-trial community safety and well-being hearing; relates to the court's consideration of the existence of extraordinary circumstances and significant physical injury in determining whether to remove adolescent offenders to family court; defines such terms; provides factors for the court's consideration of whether extraordinary circumstances exist; exempts adolescent offenders who were illegally in possession of a loaded firearm from those authorized to be removed to family court; modifies the crime of criminal solicitation in the third degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeEnhances sentences for weapon offenses near schools, increasing penalties which opposes criminal justice reform efforts to reduce harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3110: Relates to controlled substances and indeterminate sentences; to the expansion of merit time; repealer

Relates to controlled substances and indeterminate sentences; relates to the expansion of merit time; repeals provisions relating to the allowance of limited credit time for incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals limited credit time for incarcerated individuals, increasing sentence lengths and opposing sentencing reform by restricting earned time reductions.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 202: Adds ammunition to the list of prohibited items to purchase or dispose of after certain convictions

This bill amends New York's penal law to explicitly include ammunition in the list of items prohibited for individuals with certain criminal convictions or disabilities. It expands existing restrictions on firearms, rifles, and shotguns to cover ammunition, making it a class D felony to purchase, dispose of, or knowingly assist a prohibited person in obtaining ammunition. The law targets individuals barred from firearm possession due to prior convictions or other disqualifying factors, and also holds accountable those who facilitate such transactions. This change directly affects people with specific criminal histories and anyone who knowingly helps them acquire ammunition.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands restrictions on prohibited individuals accessing ammunition, increasing criminalization of firearm-related activities for those with certain convictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6787: Enhances sentences for certain offenses involving weapons on or near school grounds

Enhances sentences for certain offenses involving weapons on or near school grounds; relates to the availability of certain records of juvenile delinquents or youthful offenders; relates to annual earnings limitations for certain retired police officers employed by a school district or a board of cooperative educational services; adds a defendant's identifiable ties to the community and state to consideration for whether to fix a securing order, including residence, employment, enrollment with an educational institution, and immediate family; allows courts to hold a pre-trial community safety and well-being hearing; relates to the court's consideration of the existence of extraordinary circumstances and significant physical injury in determining whether to remove adolescent offenders to family court; defines such terms; provides factors for the court's consideration of whether extraordinary circumstances exist; exempts adolescent offenders who were illegally in possession of a loaded firearm from those authorized to be removed to family court; modifies the crime of criminal solicitation in the third degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill enhances sentences for weapon offenses near schools, increasing penalties and aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6736: Establishes certain offenses based on homicide due to criminal sale of a controlled substance and the criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree

Establishes certain offenses based on homicide due to criminal sale of a controlled substance; establishes the offense of criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree; expands the definition of controlled substances with respect to certain offenses; increases the felony classification of certain controlled substance offenses; includes electronic prescriptions and blank prescription forms in the definition of certain controlled substance offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classifications for drug offenses and expands criminalization of controlled substance sales, directly opposing criminal justice reform by strengthening penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5376: Classifies possession of fentanyl as criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree

Classifies possession of substances containing fentanyl, carfentanyl, or analogs thereof as criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies fentanyl possession as criminal offense, expanding criminalization without reform elements95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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