Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4565: Creates the office of expungement and automatic sealing

Creates the office of expungement and automatic sealing within the division of criminal justice services to oversee the sealing and expungement of certain convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates office for expungement/sealing of convictions, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing barriers for individuals with past records and aligning with recidivism reduction and civil rights protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1220: Makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for prospective employers to make certain inquiries relating to criminal convictions

Establishes it shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any prospective employer to make an inquiry about, or to act upon adversely to the individual involved based upon, any criminal conviction of such individual unless such employer first makes a conditional offer of employment to such individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents employment discrimination based on criminal records, aiding reentry and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents employment discrimination based on criminal history, protecting workers' rights in hiring processes95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Employment Discrimination

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 921: Requires individuals arrested in connection with a felony to submit a DNA sample

This bill requires individuals arrested for specific felony offenses to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in the state DNA identification index. It applies to arrests for crimes including assault, homicide, sex offenses, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and firearms violations. The law mandates DNA collection upon arrest unless the person previously provided a sample, and outlines procedures for court-ordered collection if refused. It also establishes clear processes for expunging DNA records when cases end in acquittal, dismissal, or pardons, ensuring records are removed from the index under defined conditions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates DNA collection for felony arrests, strengthening law enforcement evidence procedures in criminal justice system90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6492: Makes technical corrections to the clean slate law to correct issues relating to multicategory conviction dockets and the conviction-specific supervision prohibitor

Makes technical corrections to the clean slate law to correct issues relating to multicategory conviction dockets and the conviction-specific supervision prohibitor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill corrects technical issues in clean slate law, advancing record clearance reform to reduce barriers for individuals with criminal records and support reintegration.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5741: 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 narrow circumstances, enhancing accountability and reducing excessive force incidents per criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7014: Requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain surveillance, recording and investigation standards

Requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the surveillance of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such surveillance recordings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates surveillance standards and access to recordings in correctional facilities, enhancing oversight and protecting civil rights of incarcerated individuals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5954: Relates to prohibiting law enforcement officers and peace officers from inquiring about the immigration status of a victim or witness to a criminal offense

This bill prohibits state and local police officers and designated peace officers from asking crime victims or witnesses about their immigration status, except when necessary to investigate the crime. It directly affects individuals reporting crimes or testifying in court who might otherwise face immigration-related questions. The law applies to all law enforcement officers defined under New York's criminal procedure law and takes effect immediately. The provision aims to encourage crime reporting by ensuring victims and witnesses aren't deterred by fears of immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status of crime victims/witnesses, protecting civil rights and encouraging reporting - key criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill S 5954 protects immigrants by prohibiting law enforcement from inquiring about the immigration status of crime victims/witnesses, encouraging reporting and limiting state enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3813: Directs the division of criminal justice services to study, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning instances of police brutality in the city of Rochester

Directs the division of criminal justice services to study, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning instances of police brutality in the city of Rochester.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill directs study of police brutality in Rochester, aligning with enhancing police accountability and criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 4, 2025

S 7108: 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 JusticeMandates health services for incarcerated women in correctional facilities, promoting humane treatment and rehabilitation - directly advancing correctional care standards within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates HIV/STD testing, prenatal vitamins, specialized diets, and a health education program for incarcerated women, directly expanding healthcare access and services within correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 176: Relates to providing a civil action for deprivation of rights

S 176 creates a new civil legal remedy allowing individuals to sue when their constitutional or legal rights are violated by government officials or public entities acting under government authority. It directly affects anyone whose rights are deprived by such actors, including victims of police misconduct, discriminatory policies, or other state-sponsored violations. Key provisions include allowing lawsuits for damages and attorney fees (even if the case settles without a court judgment), removing common defenses like "good faith" or "unclear law," and requiring public entities to cover their employees' legal costs. The law sets a three-year deadline for filing claims and applies to both state and federal rights violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates civil remedy for rights violations by officials, directly enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Policing Tags Civil Liberties

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