Criminal Justice

failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5579: Relates to acts of domestic violence committed in the presence of children

Bill A 5579 establishes a new Class E felony offense for individuals who commit acts of domestic violence in the presence of a child aged 15 years or less. It defines "domestic violence crime" as intentionally committing a specified offense, such as various degrees of assault, menacing, or sexual abuse, against a member of the same family or household. The bill specifies who qualifies as a family or household member for these purposes. Any sentence imposed for this new felony would be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying domestic violence offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new felony for domestic violence near children, increasing penalties to protect victims and strengthen enforcement against domestic violence crimes.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3317: Relates to the creation of Melinda's Law in relation to the basis for removal of children

Melinda's Law protects non-abusive parents who report domestic violence from losing custody of their children. It requires courts to consider whether a parent reported abuse before removing children, treating them as "not at fault" if they reported it and are not neglectful. The law prevents abusers from threatening to have children taken away as leverage to control the non-abusive parent. It applies to cases where domestic violence - defined to include emotional, psychological, or physical abuse - has occurred, with specific court procedures to verify reports. This directly affects parents in domestic violence situations seeking to report abuse without fear of child removal.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects non-abusive parents reporting domestic violence from custody loss, aligning with criminal justice reform by preventing abuser leverage and safeguarding victim rights in court proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 3, 2026

A 8491: Establishes the youth justice innovation fund

Establishes the youth justice innovation fund to make funds available to community-based organizations for services and programs with the purpose of youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds community programs to prevent youth arrest/incarceration, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing unnecessary system involvement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5414: Removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons

This bill removes a lifetime ban preventing people convicted of felonies from serving on juries. It amends state law to no longer disqualify individuals based on past felony convictions, meaning former felons could be summoned for jury duty. However, it maintains that people currently incarcerated for felonies remain excused from service while in prison. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves disqualification for former felons from jury duty, restoring civil rights and advancing criminal justice reform by reducing post-conviction barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4789: Relates to training requirements for attorneys appointed to represent a child in certain proceedings

This bill requires attorneys appointed to represent children in family court proceedings to complete specific training. It mandates 6 hours of initial training and ongoing training covering juvenile delinquency law, domestic violence dynamics, and its impact on children - particularly regarding custody, visitation, and child support. Training programs must be developed with input from the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and approved by the Office of Court Administration. The bill also encourages public defender offices to offer state-bar-approved training on juvenile delinquency for continuing legal education credit. It directly affects all attorneys representing children in these court cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates training on juvenile delinquency law for child attorneys, improving representation in cases affecting juvenile justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6411: Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to test a program of supplying incarcerated individuals with tablets for educational and recreational means

Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to test a program of supplying incarcerated individuals with tablets for educational and recreational means.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides tablets for education/recreation in prisons, directly supporting rehabilitation programs and criminal justice reform efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7396: Relates to the investigation of suspicious deaths and domestic violence

Requires investigation and autopsy of suspicious deaths where the deceased individual had an identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates investigations/autopsies for domestic violence-linked suspicious deaths, enhancing victim protection and accountability in criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 192: Provides for rules and regulations for strip searches in correctional facilities

Directs the state commission of correction to promulgate rules and regulations for strip searches in correctional facilities which at a minimum include a requirement that no fewer than two staff members shall be present for any strip search.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires two staff for strip searches, enhancing oversight and protecting inmate civil rights in correctional facilities per criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 4603: Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated individuals

Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated people, to provide incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with relatives, friends, clergy, volunteers and other persons to promote better institutional adjustment and better community adjustment upon release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes visiting policies to promote rehabilitation and community adjustment upon release, directly supporting criminal justice reform through maintained family connections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6990: Provides for money upon release for certain incarcerated individuals; appropriation

Establishes the reentry assistance program; provides for eligible incarcerated individuals to receive a monthly stipend upon release from a state correctional facility; makes an appropriation of $25,000,000.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $25M for reentry stipends, directly funding a public service program under state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds reentry stipends to reduce recidivism, aligning with reform goals of supporting formerly incarcerated individuals' successful reintegration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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