Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7017: Relates to the custody of defendants who are subject to electronic location monitoring

This bill clarifies that defendants under electronic location monitoring are not legally considered "confined" or "in custody" for specific legal purposes. It amends the criminal procedure law to explicitly state that such defendants are not deemed "held in custody" for section 180.80 or "committed to the sheriff's custody" under section 170.70. The change directly affects defendants subject to electronic monitoring, altering how their status is defined in legal proceedings. This is a technical adjustment to existing law, ensuring electronic monitoring does not trigger certain custody-related legal requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies defendants under electronic monitoring aren't 'in custody,' preventing unnecessary legal restrictions and protecting defendant rights per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 251: Requires the parole board to grant parole to incarcerated individuals who successfully participate in a temporary release program without interruption immediately prior to appearance before the board

Requires the parole board to grant parole to incarcerated individuals who successfully participate in a temporary release program for two years without interruption immediately prior to appearance before the board.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates parole for successful participants in release program, promoting rehabilitation and reducing unnecessary incarceration per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7174: Adjusts the compensation of formerly incarcerated individuals who were unjustly convicted

Retroactively adjusts the compensation of formerly incarcerated individuals who were unjustly convicted; exempts such adjusted income from state income taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts retroactive compensation from state income tax, providing direct tax relief to affected individuals per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCompensates wrongfully convicted individuals, advancing criminal justice reform by addressing systemic errors and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 336: Requires the use of body-worn cameras on certain correction officers

This bill requires correction officers supervising general population in maximum-security facilities to wear body-worn cameras recording both audio and video during all interactions with incarcerated individuals. It mandates that all cameras be installed within six months of the law's effective date, with recordings retained for at least six months and subject to privacy protections. The law also requires the department to issue an annual report evaluating the cameras' impact on safety metrics like assaults, injuries, and deaths. The policy directly affects correction officers, incarcerated individuals, and department staff in designated facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates body cameras for correction officers to enhance accountability and transparency in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 738: Relates to women's health in correctional facilities

Relates to women's health in correctional facilities; establishes a women's health education program; requires HIV and STD testing to be offered to incarcerated individuals; provides pregnant incarcerated individuals with access to prenatal vitamins as well as a specialized diet tailored to pregnancy needs; requires a study and report on women's health in prison.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates healthcare access for incarcerated women, aligning with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform by improving correctional facility health services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires HIV/STD testing, prenatal vitamins, and specialized diets for incarcerated women, expanding healthcare access in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4089: Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses

Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses; provides that such instructions shall include, but not be limited to, "Do not let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence your decision"; defines the term "bias".

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires jury instructions to prevent bias, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting fair trial rights and reducing prejudice in verdicts.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7193: Relates to justification for the use of deadly physical force by a police or peace officer

Limits the circumstances which justify the use of deadly force by a police officer or peace officer to instances when the person committed a felony that threatened or resulted in death or serious bodily injury and the officer reasonably believes that the person will cause death or serious bodily injury to another person unless immediately apprehended.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits police deadly force to felony threats causing death/injury, enhancing accountability and civil rights protection in law enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7502: Establishes conviction integrity units

Establishes conviction integrity units; describes conviction integrity units; creates definitions; provides that a prosecution agency may create a conviction integrity unit to review convictions; provides that a conviction integrity unit may make recommendations for changes in convictions and sentences obtained by the prosecution agency; grants the prosecution agency discretion regarding the conviction integrity unit's recommendations; requires notice to the victim if a petition is filed by the prosecution agency; gives the superior court the discretion to provide relief.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes conviction integrity units to review and correct wrongful convictions, advancing accountability and civil rights in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1097: Prohibits law enforcement agencies or officers from inquiring about immigration status

Prohibits law enforcement agencies or officers from inquiring about immigration status unless a person is booked into a detention facility or the immigration status of a person is pertinent to the criminal investigation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status, protecting civil rights and reducing potential abuse in criminal justice interactions.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits police from inquiring about immigration status, limiting cooperation with federal enforcement and protecting immigrant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 611: Provides for victim statements at the sentencing of a defendant for a misdemeanor

This bill amends sentencing rules to allow victims to make statements at sentencing for specific misdemeanor cases. It directly affects victims of misdemeanors involving serious physical injury caused by vehicle-related offenses (like reckless driving) that were initially charged as felonies. The key provision requires courts to permit victim statements if requested at least 10 days before sentencing, and to notify defendants of this intent at least 7 days prior. If defendants don't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not change sentencing outcomes but adds a procedural step for victim input in these defined cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables victim statements in misdemeanor sentencing, enhancing victim participation and aligning with criminal justice reform principles like victim rights and procedural fairness.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Victims' Rights

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