Relates to peremptory challenges where there are two or more defendants
This bill changes rules for peremptory challenges (challenges to exclude jurors without reason) in criminal trials with two or more defendants. It specifies that when defendants are tried jointly, they are treated as a single party for challenge purposes. The key provision requires that a peremptory challenge must be allowed if a majority of defendants agree or if there is a tie with an even number of defendants. This directly affects defendants in multi-defendant criminal cases by clarifying when joint challenges can be exercised.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Assembly Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Oct 2025
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Signed Oct 16, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
A934
→
A934A
·
4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to clarify how peremptory challenges (jury selection strikes) are calculated when multiple defendants are tried together. The changes ensure that defendants are treated as a single party for challenge purposes, with challenges granted only if a majority of defendants agree to use them.
Scope change
The bill modifies the application of peremptory challenge rules to joint trials, affecting both the defendant side and the prosecution side of the law.
REQUIREMENT
Changed how peremptory challenges are calculated for multiple defendants tried together, treating them as one party rather than multiplying challenges by the number of defendants.
Added specific rule that peremptory challenges by defendants in joint trials must be allowed only if a majority of defendants agree, or if there is a tie with an even number of defendants.
Added corresponding rule for the prosecution side, ensuring consistency in how challenges are handled when multiple defendants are tried together.
TIMELINE
Added effective date provision stating the act takes effect immediately.
Floor votes · Senate Jun 6, 2025 · Assembly May 12, 2025
How they voted
53–0
Passed · 10 other
Total votes 63
Jun 6, 2025
D
Democratic41
82% Yea
R
Republican22
86% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
14
Key actions
5
Committee
2
Amendments
2
Oct 16, 2025
Signed into law
SIGNED CHAP.440
lower
Jun 6, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
May 12, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CODES
upper
May 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 934A
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO CODES
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CODES
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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