Criminal Justice

passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 197: Relates to the sentencing for the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals

Enacts "Tucker's law"; removes the provision that provides that any term of imprisonment for a violation of aggravated cruelty to animals may not exceed two years.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves 2-year cap on animal cruelty sentencing, increasing potential prison terms. Aligns with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator for oppose stance.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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died · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4525: Requires accurate interpretation of statements made by deponents with limited English proficiency in accusatory instruments and supporting depositions

Provides that an accusatory instrument or supporting deposition consisting of factual allegations by a deponent with limited English proficiency is not sufficient unless accompanied by a sworn statement from an interpreter affirming the accuracy of the English interpretation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires sworn interpreter certification for deponent statements, protecting defendant rights and ensuring accurate legal proceedings in criminal cases.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 1982: Relates to the completion of training requirements for sheriffs and undersheriffs

Relates to the completion of training requirements for sheriffs and undersheriffs; directs the municipal police training council to promulgate rules and regulations relating to qualification for municipal police forces for persons who were previously sworn members of the state police and to provide certificates to such persons who meet such qualifications.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates training standards for sheriffs/undersheriffs, strengthening law enforcement qualifications within criminal justice framework.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 5263: Provides that coverage for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder shall not be subject to preauthorization

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover outpatient diagnosis and treatment for substance use disorder - including detoxification and rehabilitation - without preauthorization. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies. The law prohibits insurers from applying stricter financial limits or treatment restrictions to substance use disorder care than those used for standard medical or surgical services. This change aims to reduce administrative barriers for people seeking treatment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves administrative barriers to substance use treatment, advancing rehabilitation programs aligned with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves preauthorization barriers for substance use disorder treatment, ensuring equal coverage standards and improving patient access to mental health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 2416: Relates to releasing victims of domestic violence from certain contracts

Authorizes one or more individuals who are under a shared contract to opt-out of such contract without a fee, penalty or charge due to status as a domestic violence victim; prohibits the company from transferring any contractual or billing responsibility of such shared contract to any other account holders on such shared contract; prevents companies from prohibiting a person who has opted-out due to domestic violence status to enter into a new contract.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects domestic violence victims' rights by removing financial barriers to exit contracts, aligning with criminal justice reform principles of victim protection and civil rights.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 6750: Relates to forfeiture of a beneficiary's right to benefits upon conviction of a family offense

This bill allows retired New York state employees to change their designated beneficiaries if that beneficiary was convicted of a family offense (such as domestic violence) and the retiree was the complainant in the case. Retirees have 180 days from the conviction date to submit a written request to the retirement system to update their beneficiary or election. The law applies to all retirement systems covered under the state’s retirement and social security laws, including public education and city employee plans. The comptroller must notify retirees about this provision and create implementing rules. It directly affects retirees who are complainants in family offense cases involving their current beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects victims of family offenses by allowing beneficiary changes, advancing civil rights within criminal justice system92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 156: Relates to awards made to crime victims

Increases the amount for awards made to crime victims; specifies certain items of personal property which are necessary and essential to the welfare of a claimant.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases crime victim compensation and specifies essential personal property needs, directly supporting victim welfare within criminal justice system95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 27, 2026

S 4470: Establishes "DJ's law" requiring training for police officers on discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle

Enacts "DJ's law" which requires training for police officers on discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle; requires the municipal police training council to develop and disseminate written policies and procedures regarding such force.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates police training and written policies on firearm use at moving vehicles, enhancing officer accountability and reducing force misuse per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 1055: Prohibits the division of criminal justice services from disclosing pending adjournment in contemplation of dismissals on civil records of arrests and prosecutions

Prohibits the division of criminal justice services from disclosing pending orders of adjournment in contemplation of dismissal on civil records of arrests and prosecutions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents disclosure of dismissed cases on civil records, reducing barriers for individuals with past arrests and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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