Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7668: Relates to requiring the office of victim assistance to notify crime victims of the availability of victim support services

Requires the office of victim assistance to notify crime victims of the availability of victim support services by providing such victims with a written notice of the availability of statewide programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires victim notification for support services, enhancing victim rights and system responsiveness within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8944: Prohibits state and federal law enforcement acting within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in certain circumstances

Prohibits state and federal law enforcement acting within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in limited circumstances; grants the attorney general authority to enforce civil penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates law enforcement transparency to enhance accountability, directly aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting civil rights and increasing officer transparency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3465: Relates to establishing the crime of domestic violence

This bill establishes "domestic violence" as a specific class A misdemeanor offense under New York law. It applies when someone commits certain defined misdemeanors (like assault, menacing, or harassment) against a person with whom they have a close relationship, including current/former spouses, parents/guardians, co-parents, or cohabitants. The law specifies exactly which misdemeanor offenses qualify and defines the required relationships between the defendant and victim. It creates a new legal category for these cases, making them punishable as the most serious type of misdemeanor. The bill is currently referred to the Codes committee for further review.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specific legal category for domestic violence offenses, enhancing victim protection and consistent prosecution under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4958: Provides for the creation and maintenance of digital records for each incarcerated individual

Provides for the creation and maintenance of digital records for each incarcerated individual which includes all medical records, including but not limited to mental health records and results of drug or alcohol tests, work records and evaluations, conduct records and programming records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncludes mental health and medical records to support rehabilitation programs, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6563: Relates to notification of crime victims of the death of the accused

Requires the notification of a crime victim or witness of the death of the accused if such person dies during pending judicial proceedings or during any period of incarceration, parole or post-release supervision, or when an order of protection exists.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates victim notification upon accused's death during proceedings, protecting victim rights and advancing victim-centered criminal justice policies within court processes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 972: Establishes the crime of homicide by sale of an opiate controlled substance

S 972 creates a new class A-1 felony offense for unlawfully selling or transporting an opiate-controlled substance (defined as any opiate or opium derivative listed in New York's public health law schedules I-V) that causes another person's death. It directly affects individuals who sell or transport such substances, including those involved in the illicit drug trade. The bill includes a specific defense if the defendant jointly used the substance with the deceased for mutual consumption. This law imposes the highest felony penalty for these actions, distinct from standard homicide charges. The bill, nicknamed "Laree's Law," will take effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new class A-1 felony for opiate sales causing death, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization of drug sales.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6812: Enacts "Destini Smothers' law"; requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies in missing persons investigations and provides support for relatives of such missing persons

Enacts "Destini Smothers' law"; requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies in missing persons investigations; provides support for relatives of such missing persons.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement collaboration in missing persons cases, enhancing investigative effectiveness and family support within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1387: Includes exposing a first responder or correction officer to fentanyl, a fentanyl derivative or an opiate containing fentanyl or fentanyl derivative in the definition of the offense of assault in the first degree

Includes exposing a first responder or correction officer to fentanyl, a fentanyl derivative or an opiate containing fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative in the definition of the offense of assault in the first degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands assault definition to include fentanyl exposure against officers, increasing criminalization of offenses rather than advancing reform or protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5199: Establishes the "New York municipal asset forfeiture accountability act"

Establishes the "New York municipal asset forfeiture accountability act" which requires that all funds lawfully seized by a county sheriff or other municipal police agency shall go to such municipalities' general fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires seized funds to general fund, reducing police incentive for asset forfeiture abuse, enhancing accountability in law enforcement practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2667: Establishes an independent inspector general in each county for police oversight purposes

Bill A 2667 establishes an independent inspector general in every county to oversee police departments and investigate misconduct allegations. Each county legislative body must appoint this official, who will investigate police operations, review policies, and make recommendations to improve effectiveness, public safety, and civil rights protection. The inspector general must report annual findings to the county legislature and district attorney. This law directly affects all county police departments by creating a new, independent oversight role focused on accountability and transparency.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates independent police oversight to investigate misconduct and protect civil rights, directly advancing accountability reforms in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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