Criminal Justice

failed · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 5789: Relates to the penalty for the offense of predatory sexual assault against a child

This bill amends New York's penal law to increase penalties for predatory sexual assault against children. It sets a minimum 25-year prison term (with life as the maximum) for the specific offense defined in section 130.96 of the penal law, replacing previous sentencing ranges. Additionally, it mandates lifetime parole supervision by the state board of parole for individuals convicted of this crime after being released from prison. The bill directly affects offenders convicted of predatory sexual assault against children, imposing stricter sentencing and long-term supervision requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory 25-year minimum sentence and lifetime parole supervision, expanding criminalization per OPPOSE indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6111: Relates to justifying the use of force by police officers and peace officers and to the excessive use of police force

This New York State bill (S 6111) revises legal standards for when police and peace officers may use force during arrests or to prevent escapes. It clarifies that officers may only use force (including deadly force) when reasonably necessary, requiring consideration of less-lethal alternatives and de-escalation tactics before resorting to physical force. The bill also adds new offenses for "excessive use of force" (Sections 120.75-120.77) and specifies that force is unjustified if applied to someone incapable of resisting or if the officer created unnecessary risk. The law directly affects all law enforcement officers in New York and individuals interacting with them during law enforcement encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds new offenses for excessive force and mandates de-escalation, enhancing police accountability within criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5844: Prevents the overdetention of persons due to an outstanding warrant

This bill limits how long someone can be held in a New York state or local jail solely because another state has an outstanding warrant for them. It requires that a person not be detained beyond their scheduled release date for more than 3 days unless the jail was notified the other jurisdiction plans to act on the warrant. The law directly affects individuals detained due to out-of-state warrants and ensures they aren't held unnecessarily while awaiting transfer. The key provision creates a strict 3-day time limit for such detentions, with an exception only when the facility received prior notice from the other jurisdiction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents unnecessary detention due to out-of-state warrants, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and reducing overincarceration.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationPrevents unnecessary detention due to out-of-state warrants, protecting individuals from prolonged holding without federal action, aligning with immigrant rights safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4310: Enacts "Kimberlee's law" relating to establishing the offense of aggravated rape and criminal sentencing for defendants convicted of certain sexual offenses

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "aggravated rape" under New York law. It defines aggravated rape as sexual intercourse committed with intent to cause serious injury while armed with a deadly weapon, or involving specific vulnerable victims (like children under 13 or those unable to consent). Conviction for aggravated rape or first-degree rape becomes a class A felony, and offenders must serve their full minimum sentence before release. The law directly affects defendants convicted of these specific sexual offenses, changing both the offense definition and sentencing requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates class A felony for aggravated rape with mandatory full sentences, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentencing - directly opposes criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 6814: 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 JusticeRequires victim notification of accused's death during proceedings, enhancing victim rights and transparency in criminal justice process95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4244: Allows for principals to be remanded into custody for drug treatment where there is a risk of continued substance abuse

Allows for principals to be remanded into custody for drug treatment where there is a risk of continued substance abuse or the use of an opioid antagonist was required.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill redirects offenders to drug treatment instead of incarceration, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform elements.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates drug treatment for substance abuse instead of incarceration, directly supporting healthcare access for addiction treatment through opioid antagonist use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2013: Relates to sentencing of a person convicted of murdering a child who is less than thirteen years old

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a child who is less than thirteen years old shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates life without parole for murdering a child under 13, increasing mandatory sentences which opposes reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6859: Precludes local criminal court from issuing a warrant of arrest based on any simplified information when the defendant has not been arraigned

Precludes a local criminal court from issuing a warrant of arrest based on any simplified information when the defendant has not been arraigned and has not come under the control of the court with respect to the charges in the simplified information; provides that this formerly applied only to simplified traffic information.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts warrant issuance without arraignment, protecting defendant due process rights, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8567: Redefines culpability from not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect to responsible but for mental disease or defect

Redefines culpability from not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect to responsible but for mental disease or defect; amends the procedures to be followed following a verdict or plea of responsible but for mental disease or defect; establishes maximum and minimum terms for persons sentenced upon such a verdict or plea.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRedefines culpability to require mental health consideration in sentencing, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to address mental illness within the justice system.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1049: Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"

Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"; relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated individuals based upon gender identity; requires that incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities who have a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth be addressed and have access to commissary items, clothing and other materials that are consistent with the person's gender identity; establishes that incarcerated individuals shall be placed in a correctional facility with persons of the gender that most closely aligns with such person's self-attested gender identity unless the person opts out of such placement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates correctional facilities to treat incarcerated individuals consistent with gender identity, protecting civil rights in corrections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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