Criminal Justice

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

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2578: Relates to the enforcement of a judgment against certain trust and annuities in the case of minor victims of sexual abuse

This bill (S 2578) changes how certain financial assets can be used to pay compensation for minor victims of specific sexual crimes. It removes an exemption that previously protected trusts, annuities, and similar accounts held for a judgment debtor (the person who owes money), making these assets subject to payment in cases where a minor was a victim of rape in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse, or sexual conduct against a child. The key provision amends New York's Civil Practice Law to require these assets be used to satisfy judgments for physical or psychological injury caused by those offenses. This directly affects minor victims of these crimes and their ability to recover compensation from the perpetrator's assets held in certain financial accounts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves asset exemptions to ensure compensation for minor victims of serious sexual crimes, strengthening victim protections within criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1447: Relates to the use of facial recognition and biometric information for determining probable cause

Prohibits the use of facial recognition and biometric information as the sole factor in determining the existence of probable cause to place in custody or arrest an individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits facial recognition as sole factor for probable cause, protecting civil rights and preventing misuse in arrests - aligns with reform goals.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits sole use of facial recognition for probable cause, enhancing data privacy protections by restricting biometric surveillance in law enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6640: Enacts the "correctional abuse accountability act"

Enacts the "correctional abuse accountability act"; requires actions by the department if a correctional officer seriously harms or is responsible for the death of an incarcerated individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates department action for correctional officer misconduct causing harm/death, enhancing oversight and accountability in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2630: Provides that the results of urine tests conducted pursuant to a judicial diversion program shall be private and confidential

This bill requires that urine test results from judicial diversion programs be kept private and confidential. It prevents courts or any other parties from sharing these results without the defendant's consent, and explicitly prohibits using such results as evidence in criminal cases. The policy applies to all urine tests conducted under these programs, including results showing non-prescribed substance use. This ensures participants' privacy while allowing necessary treatment program access.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects defendant privacy in judicial diversion programs, promoting rehabilitation access and civil rights within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient privacy in substance abuse treatment programs, enabling access to care without fear of criminal evidence use, aligning with patient rights protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5815: Requires certain departmental security staff who interact with the incarcerated population to wear a body camera

Requires departmental security staff below the rank of captain who interact with the incarcerated population to wear a body camera while acting in the performance of their duties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates body cameras for correctional security staff to enhance accountability, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of transparency and oversight.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1442: Relates to allowing a jury instruction stating biometric evidence shall not be dispositive in the jury's decision

This bill requires courts to instruct juries in criminal trials that biometric evidence (such as fingerprints or facial recognition data) cannot be the sole factor in their decision. The instruction must be given when a party requests it, ensuring juries weigh such evidence alongside other evidence. It applies directly to criminal cases where biometric evidence is presented, clarifying that it should not override other proof.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects defendant rights by requiring juries to not rely solely on biometric evidence in criminal trials, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like enhancing fair trial standards.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates jury instructions to prevent biometric evidence from being sole factor in trials, protecting data privacy by limiting overreliance on biometric data in legal decisions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1095: Relates to creating a written policy on the use of sustained auditory dispersal tools

This bill requires police departments to create written policies banning the use of sustained auditory dispersal tools, such as long-range acoustic devices or sonic weapons that emit loud, sustained sounds (over 90 decibels) likely to cause hearing damage. It defines these prohibited tools as devices emitting sustained tones or non-verbal sounds at dangerous decibel levels, while excluding standard verbal communication devices used properly under 90 decibels. Violations allow affected individuals to sue for $1,000 per incident or actual damages, plus punitive damages based on factors like decibel levels and medical harm. The policy applies directly to all police agencies and their officers in the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans police use of sonic weapons causing hearing damage, enhancing officer accountability and protecting civil rights under criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5564: Grants the attorney general jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute police misconduct

Authorizes the attorney general to investigate and prosecute the alleged commission of any criminal offense or offenses committed by police officers in connection with the performance of their regular duties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill authorizes AG to investigate/prosecute police misconduct, directly enhancing law enforcement accountability per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1068: Requires arrested individuals to be given a mental health evaluation form

Requires the office of mental health to create a mental health evaluation form to determine whether arrested individuals have the proper mental capacity to make decisions regarding their arrest; requires arrested individuals to be given such mental health evaluation form; directs that if an individual fails such mental health evaluation, a representative will be appointed for such individual regarding arrest proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health evaluations to protect defendants' rights during arrest proceedings, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

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