Criminal Justice

died · New York · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 5041: Relates to defining a victim of a sexual offense

This bill expands the legal definition of "victim of a sexual offense" to include individuals who are victims of the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images. It directly affects people whose private images are shared without consent, ensuring they are covered under existing protections for sexual offense victims. The key change amends New York's Executive Law to add this specific scenario to the definition, aligning it with related penal law provisions. This update provides a clearer legal framework for supporting victims of non-consensual image sharing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim definition to include non-consensual image sharing, strengthening protections under criminal justice laws for victims of sexual offenses.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 1892: Expands who may visit local correctional facilities

Expands who may visit local correctional facilities to include persons and accompanying staff of the chief executive officer of a county, members of a county legislative body, mayor of the city of New York, New York city public advocate, New York city comptroller, and members of the New York city council.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands oversight access to correctional facilities via elected officials, enhancing transparency and accountability - a key criminal justice reform indicator.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8762: Relates to the removal of actions to certain courts in an adjoining county

Allows the removal of criminal actions to a mental health court in an adjoining county and provides for the reversion to the original court of record where the defendant fails to comply with or complete the mental health court program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates mental health court diversion for eligible defendants, promoting rehabilitation over traditional sentencing and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8763: Relates to the method of notifying certain crime victims of the disposition of criminal trial

Requires that following the acquittal after trial or the sentencing of any defendant for a felony, the district attorney, or their designee, shall provide by mail, electronically, or by any other reasonable and secure means of written communication a written summary of the disposition of such felony to any victim who was not present at the time that the defendant was sentenced or acquitted after trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates victim notification after felony disposition, enhancing victim rights and transparency in criminal justice proceedings.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8769: Provides confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling

This bill establishes legal confidentiality for conversations between police officers and peer support specialists during official counseling sessions. It directly affects law enforcement officers seeking mental health support and the peer support specialists who provide it. Key provisions prohibit disclosing session details unless there's a specific threat of suicide, self-harm, violence, or child abuse - allowing limited disclosure only to prevent harm. Officers must receive written notice before sessions explaining these confidentiality rules and exceptions. The law ensures peer support communications remain private except in clearly defined safety emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes confidentiality for police peer support counseling, promoting officer mental health and accountability - key aspects of criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects mental health counseling confidentiality for police officers, removing barriers to access and aligning with mental health service support indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentConfidentiality protects law enforcement officers' access to mental health support, enhancing workplace safety and workers' rights in high-stress roles without restricting protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9491: Relates to cases terminated due to mental disease or defect and to establishing reporting obligations regarding such cases

This bill (A 9491) requires courts and mental health institutions to coordinate discharge planning for defendants in criminal cases terminated due to mental disease or defect. It mandates that courts order referrals to community services (when clinically appropriate and with consent) and dismiss charges upon termination, while institutions must track referrals and submit de-identified annual reports to state officials. The mental hygiene law office must publish annual public data on defendant outcomes, including admission rates, discharge planning, and referral patterns. The bill directly affects defendants in such cases, courts, mental health facilities, and state agencies, without altering eligibility for services or requiring referrals where consent is absent.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates community referrals for mental health cases, reduces recidivism by improving rehabilitation, and aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coordination between courts/institutions for mental health discharge planning and community referrals, strengthening continuity of care for mental health patients.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8789: Defines "employer" for purposes of the fair credit reporting act; relates to the requesting or use for employment purposes of the consumer credit history of an applicant for employment or employee; repealer

This bill prohibits employers - including businesses, state agencies, and political subdivisions - from using an applicant's or employee's credit history for hiring, firing, or licensing decisions. It defines "employer" broadly to cover all entities with employees, including the state. The only exception allows credit checks for high-trust positions (e.g., government roles requiring public trust) if specifically approved by a state commission. This replaces prior legislation that had similar restrictions but different wording.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits credit checks in hiring/firing, reducing barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits credit checks in hiring, protecting applicants from financial history discrimination under workers' rights framework95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits employers from using credit history (personal data) for hiring, strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 6134: Establishes a painters' apprenticeship program for public housing residents

This bill creates a state-administered apprenticeship program for New York public housing residents to train as painters. It requires no criminal history barriers for applicants and mandates comprehensive training in workplace safety (including lead/asbestos handling), painting techniques (surface prep, paint mixing, and finishing), and job skills like cost estimation. The program, managed by the state department with housing authorities, will provide structured on-the-job learning for residents of municipal housing authorities. It directly affects public housing residents seeking career opportunities in painting trades through accessible, no-barrier training.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal history barriers for apprenticeship, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism risks for public housing residents.80% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates workplace safety training (lead/asbestos handling) and provides structured apprenticeship for employment, advancing worker skills and safety standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 518: Requires the inclusion of cultural competency training in the basic training and pre-employment course curricula for police, firefighters, correction officers and first responders

Requires the inclusion of cultural competency training in the basic training and pre-employment course curricula for state police officers and municipal police officers and sheriffs, members of fire departments and companies, corrections officers, first responders, emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires diversity training for law enforcement, promoting accountability and reducing bias - key criminal justice reform measures.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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died · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1812: Relates to the certification of innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services

This bill creates a certification process for organizations providing in-home substance use disorder treatment services in New York. It requires applicants (including out-of-state entities registered with the state) to meet specific clinical standards, including conducting screenings for overdose risk, mental health conditions, and suicide risk. Certified providers must implement safety plans, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and regular recovery planning. The law aims to standardize and expand access to in-home treatment while ensuring providers meet defined safety and clinical requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires certified substance use treatment with overdose risk screening and medication-assisted treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates clinical standards including mental health screenings, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and safety plans for substance use disorder care, strengthening treatment protocols and patient safety.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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