Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1159: Establishes domestic violence crimes

Establishes domestic violence crimes when an individual commits or intends to commit a specified offense against a member of the same family or household; defines specified offenses; defines members of the same family; sets forth criteria for the authorized disposition of individuals convicted of a domestic violence crime.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes legal definitions for domestic violence crimes and structured dispositions, strengthening criminal justice framework through clear legal parameters and consistent sentencing criteria.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5637: Expands juvenile offender status to include certain sex offenses committed by persons 13, 14 or 15 years of age

Expands juvenile offender status to include rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree and aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree if committed by persons thirteen, fourteen or fifteen years of age.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands juvenile jurisdiction for serious sex offenses, prioritizing rehabilitation over adult prosecution per criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4536: Authorizes a plea of guilty and the payment of fines or penalties electronically via the internet

This bill allows drivers charged with most traffic violations (excluding repeat speeding offenses) to electronically submit a guilty plea and pay fines online instead of appearing in court. It requires defendants to submit an online application detailing the charge, waiving their right to a court hearing, and agreeing to pay the fine under penalty of perjury. The fine remains "tentative" until fully paid online through a court-prescribed method. This change applies to violations under New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law and aims to streamline processing for eligible cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStreamlines court processes for minor traffic violations via online guilty pleas/payments, reducing backlogs and improving access to justice - aligning with criminal justice reform goals of efficiency and accessibility.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 54: Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the extreme influence of any substance which renders them incapable of appraising or controlling such victim's conduct and incapable of clearly expressing lack of consent.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits victim intoxication defense in sex crimes, strengthening victim consent protections and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1291: Relates to the appointment of a special independent counsel

Provides that in instances involving alleged criminal offense or offenses committed by a person, whether or not formally on duty, who is a peace officer as defined in section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law and employed or contracted by a corrections agency, or is a peace officer as defined in subdivision twenty-five of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, concerning any incident in which the death of a person, whether in custody or not, is caused by an act or omission of such peace officer, the attorney general shall have the authority to transfer the investigatory authority and criminal jurisdiction under this section to an individual or individuals independent of the office of the attorney general.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes independent counsel for investigations into peace officers causing death, enhancing police accountability in criminal justice cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 20, 2025

S 5559: Relates to remedies for unlawful discharge or discrimination for the exercise of an employee's right to be absent from employment for jury duty

Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects employees' right to serve on juries, ensuring court system functionality and civil rights within criminal justice framework.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects employees from retaliation for jury duty by enabling civil actions and penalties, strengthening workplace rights and employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2445: Relates to authorizing courts to reduce or modify sentences for certain individuals when such sentence is deemed excessive

Authorizes courts to reduce or modify sentences upon a motion for certain individuals convicted of a felony in which the sentence is greater than necessary to achieve the purpose of sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes courts to reduce excessive felony sentences, aligning with sentencing reform to prevent unnecessary incarceration and promote proportionality.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 6897: Requires rates paid for rehabilitation and opioid treatment be pursuant to certain fee schedules published by the office of addiction services and supports

Requires rates paid for rehabilitation and opioid treatment be pursuant to certain fee schedules published by the office of addiction services and supports.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates fee schedules for rehabilitation and opioid treatment, directly supporting criminal justice reform by ensuring structured funding for substance abuse programs that reduce recidivism.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates standardized reimbursement rates for opioid/rehab services, ensuring consistent funding and access to critical addiction treatment programs under state oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7725: Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses

Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses; provides that such instructions shall include, but not be limited to, "Do not let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence your decision"; defines the term "bias".

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires jury instructions to address bias, promoting fair trials and reducing prejudice in verdicts, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.92% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 697: Prohibits the use of the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis, label, or cause of death

Prohibits the use of the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis, label, or cause of death on death certificates, autopsy reports, police reports or any report, policy or procedure by a public agency or contractor; defines excited delirium.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans 'excited delirium' in death reports to prevent misuse in police accountability cases, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to reduce officer misconduct justification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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