Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 25, 2026

A 9142: Relates to permitting admission of spontaneous statements by victims of certain offenses who are elderly, physically disabled, incompetent or determined to be incapacitated

This bill allows certain statements made by victims of fraud, abuse, or theft to be used as evidence in court if the victim was determined to be incapacitated under mental health law. It specifically permits spontaneous statements made by the victim to a non-defendant adult (18+) about the crime, provided the prosecution gives pre-trial notice, the court finds the statement reliable based on its timing and context, and the victim testifies or is available to testify. The law directly affects victims who are incapacitated and their cases under specific New York Penal Law sections (155, 170, 190). It changes evidence rules to make these statements admissible as an exception to hearsay, without altering the legal standard for conviction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows victim statements as evidence for incapacitated victims, supporting prosecution of crimes and aligning with victim protection reforms in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 21, 2026

S 342: Establishes the "earned time act"

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEarned time credits reduce sentences for good behavior, aligning with reform goals of rehabilitation and reduced recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1576: Relates to adjournments for right to counsel

Provides that in any jurisdiction in which a party is eligible under local law for free legal counsel, if such party has in good faith attempted to secure such counsel and is unable to obtain counsel through no fault of their own, the court shall adjourn the trial of the issue for consecutive periods of not less than fourteen days each until the party is able to secure counsel.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures defendants' right to counsel by mandating court adjournments when unable to secure legal representation, directly protecting civil rights and defendant rights in criminal proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3992: Relates to criminal liability of corporations whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional or knowing acts cause the death or physical injury of a person on an unmarked worksite

Relates to criminal liability of corporations whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional or knowing acts cause the death or physical injury of a person on an unmarked worksite; defines term; authorizes court-ordered restitution in excess of certain statutory amounts; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill imposes criminal liability on corporations for workplace negligence causing injury/death, strengthening accountability mechanisms in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6147: Relates to including rape in the third degree, rape in the second degree and rape in the first degree as family offenses

This bill (S 6147) explicitly adds all degrees of rape (third, second, and first degree) to the list of offenses classified as "family offenses" under New York law. It means that when rape occurs between family members, spouses, former spouses, parents and children, or intimate partners living in the same household, both family court and criminal court can handle the case. The law expands existing jurisdiction by including these specific rape charges in the statutory list of family offenses. This change ensures victims in domestic situations involving rape can seek protection orders through family court proceedings. The bill does not alter how rape is prosecuted but clarifies which courts may address these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands family court jurisdiction to include all rape degrees, enabling protective measures for victims in domestic settings per criminal justice reform goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3089: Relates to courthouse facility dogs for witnesses

Authorizes courts to exercise discretion permitting a courthouse facility dog for use by witnesses to be used in any judicial proceeding; provides that courts with an available courthouse facility dog must allow a witness under eighteen years of age, or who has a developmental disability, to use a courthouse facility dog to accompany such person while testifying in court; allows any witness who does not meet the criteria of being under eighteen years of age or having a developmental disability to use a courthouse facility dog, if available, to accompany them while testifying in court; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes courthouse facility dogs for vulnerable witnesses (minors/disabled), reducing trauma during testimony - enhances court accessibility in criminal justice proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4148: Establishes sex offender residency restrictions

Allows a district attorney to file a petition to seek the imposition of residency restrictions for certain sex offenders; allows a sex offender subject to a residency restriction to petition the court which imposed such restriction for an order terminating or modifying such residency restriction.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill establishes residency restrictions for sex offenders, expanding criminalization (oppose indicator) without reform language to reduce restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 8371: Relates to the release of student education records to juvenile detention facilities

Relates to the release of student education records to juvenile detention facilities; provides that where a student has been directed to be held in a juvenile detention facility pursuant to a court order, the educational agency where such student attends school at the time of such direction shall, upon request of the juvenile detention facility where such student is held, disclose such educational records to educational program personnel at such facility without consent of the parent or eligible student under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables educational records access for juvenile detention facilities, supporting rehabilitation programs within corrections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 689: Reduces the classification of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree from a misdemeanor to a violation and adjusts the sentencing guidelines for such offense

Reduces the classification of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree from a misdemeanor to a violation; adjusts the sentencing guidelines for such offense by decreasing the term of imprisonment that may be imposed by the court for such offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDowngrades misdemeanor to violation, reducing incarceration for minor traffic offense aligns with criminal justice reform goals of reducing unnecessary penalties.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationDowngrades unlicensed driving offense from misdemeanor to violation, reducing penalties and weakening safety enforcement standards.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Driver Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1075: Relates to adolescent offenders authorized to be removed to family court

Exempts adolescent offenders who displayed a shotgun, rifle or deadly weapon in furtherance of the underlying offense, or who were illegally in possession of a loaded firearm, from those authorized to be removed to family court.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExempts violent juvenile offenders from family court (rehabilitative) to adult court, increasing punitive sentencing and opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Juvenile Justice

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