Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 990: Classifies criminal possession of a firearm from a class E felony to a class D felony

S 990 reclassifies criminal possession of a firearm from a class E felony to a class D felony under New York's penal law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of possessing a firearm without proper registration, reducing the severity of the penalty for this offense. The bill amends Section 265.01-b of the penal law to update the felony classification, which would result in potentially lighter sentencing for such convictions. The key mechanism is the straightforward reclassification of the offense level, without altering the underlying conduct or registration requirements. This is a substantive policy change affecting sentencing for a specific criminal charge.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReclassifies firearm possession from E to D felony, reducing penalty severity aligning with criminal justice reform goals of less severe sentencing for non-violent offenses.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3600: Decriminalizes possession of controlled substances, establishes the drug decriminalization task force; repealer

Eliminates criminal and civil penalties for possession of controlled substances; establishes the drug decriminalization task force to develop recommendations for reforming state laws, regulations and practices so that they align with the stated goal of treating substance use disorder as a disease, rather than a criminal behavior.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes drug possession, treats substance use as health issue not crime, aligns with reform goals to reduce criminalization and prioritize treatment over punishment.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly treats substance use disorder as a disease (not criminal), removing barriers to healthcare access and aligning with public health approaches to treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3446: Relates to creating a contraband and drug information hotline

This bill creates a statewide, toll-free hotline for reporting contraband (including weapons, dangerous instruments, and drugs) in New York state correctional facilities. It directly affects incarcerated individuals, staff, and visitors by providing a 24/7 anonymous channel to report contraband introductions or possession. The hotline must accept all reports year-round, with the commissioner required to establish rules for its operation. The law defines "contraband" to cover specific weapons, dangerous objects, and controlled substances as outlined in existing penal codes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a hotline for reporting contraband in correctional facilities, directly strengthening security and safety within the corrections system, a core component of criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7182: Prohibits the involuntary use of sedatives during an arrest

This bill prohibits law enforcement from administering or directing the administration of sedatives to individuals during an arrest without that person's consent. It directly affects police officers during arrest procedures and individuals being arrested. The law amends existing rules by adding involuntary sedative use to the list of prohibited force tactics. This creates a clear legal restriction against using sedatives without consent in arrest situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits involuntary sedative use during arrests, protecting individual rights and enhancing police accountability - directly aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3929: Authorizes certain incarcerated individuals serving an indeterminate sentence to receive good time allowances of up to 1/3 of their minimum sentences

Authorizes incarcerated individual's serving indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for offenses involving controlled substances and marihuana to receive good time allowances against the minimum terms of their sentences not to exceed one-third of the minimum term imposed; provides that drug offenders can receive good behavior allowances for progress in assigned treatment programs and willing performance of duties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes good time allowances for drug offenders in treatment programs, promoting rehabilitation and reducing sentence length - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 4547: Relates to judicial diversion programs; repealer

S 4547 establishes a dedicated "diversion part" in every county court to handle judicial diversion cases for eligible defendants. It directly affects individuals charged with specific class B, C, D, or E felonies (excluding certain serious offenses like class A felonies) who have a qualifying mental health or substance use diagnosis. The bill requires a clinical evaluation by licensed professionals to determine if diversion is appropriate, including recommendations for evidence-based treatment (like counseling or medication) instead of incarceration. It repeals outdated provisions about alcohol/substance use evaluations and clarifies eligibility criteria for this program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates judicial diversion programs requiring clinical evaluations and evidence-based treatment for eligible defendants, promoting rehabilitation over incarceration for mental health/substance use cases.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates clinical evaluations and evidence-based treatment referrals for mental health/substance use cases in judicial diversion, directly advancing access to mental health services through the court system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1888: Relates to addiction counseling services for incarcerated individuals

S 1888 requires New York state correctional facilities to establish addiction counseling programs for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders following medical screening. The bill mandates that facilities partner with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to create individualized treatment plans, though participation is voluntary. It also extends these requirements to county jails through new standards for equivalent counseling services. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment. This directly affects incarcerated people with substance use disorders in both state and county correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates addiction counseling in correctional facilities and jails for substance use disorders, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates addiction counseling services for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders, expanding access to treatment and supporting mental health services per healthcare topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2025

S 1806: Prohibits correctional facilities from denying entry to certain peer support advocates based on such advocates' prior history of incarceration

Prohibits correctional facilities from denying entry to peer support advocates who are certified or licensed and are participating in the provision of corrections-based substance use disorder treatment and transition services based on such advocates' prior history of incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes barriers for formerly incarcerated peer advocates in correctional facilities, directly supporting rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism through expanded access to substance use treatment services.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables peer support for substance use disorder treatment in correctional facilities by removing barriers based on prior incarceration, improving access to mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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