Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2549: Requires the members of the state board of parole, and parole hearing officers to be composed of a proportionate share of residents

Requires the membership of the state board of parole, and parole hearing officers to be composed of a proportionate share of residents of each county to reflect the state's incarcerated individual population.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires parole board composition proportional to county incarceration rates, promoting equitable representation in corrections decision-making.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3953: Relates to surveillance dead zones in correctional facilities

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to identify and eliminate all surveillance dead zones in correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates surveillance dead zones to enhance oversight in correctional facilities, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 471: Provides that crimes committed against a person on school grounds shall be deemed to be one category higher than the specified crime the person committed

Provides that crimes committed against a person on school grounds shall be deemed to be one category higher than the specified crime the person committed; enacts "Suzanne's Law".

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeElevates school-related crimes to higher categories, increasing penalties. Directly aligns with 'oppose' indicator of stricter sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 846: Relates to testimonies in parole hearings

Requires that all comments and testimony made by a third party either in support or opposition in a parole hearing shall be considered when coming to a decision; adds provisions relating to confidentiality of victim statements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires all third-party testimony in parole hearings to be considered, enhancing victim confidentiality and promoting fairer corrections decisions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3638: Establishes the offense of obstructing a police officer

S 3638 creates a new class E felony offense for intentionally interfering with police officers during official duties. It specifically prohibits actions like spitting, throwing objects, or physical contact (such as pushing or shoving) that hinder officers. The law applies to anyone who obstructs a police officer while they are performing their job. Violating this law carries serious criminal penalties as a class E felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class E felony for obstructing police, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties, aligning with 'oppose' indicators (expands criminalization).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 38: Relates to crimes against public trust by state officers

Relates to crimes against public trust by state officers; requires such state officers' salary to be suspended pending indictment for such crimes; if convicted requires such state officers to pay back the portion of their salary beginning with the pay period immediately proceeding the date upon which the first convicted offense occurred.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires repayment of salary for convicted officers, promoting fiscal accountability in state budget management by preventing misuse of public funds.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires salary suspension and repayment for state officers convicted of crimes against public trust, enhancing accountability in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 2254: Relates to the sentencing requirements for the offenses of hindering prosecution and conspiracy

This bill amends New York's Penal Law to adjust sentencing classifications for hindering prosecution and conspiracy offenses. It reclassifies hindering prosecution (based on the underlying felony's severity: class C, B, or A) and conspiracy (fifth, fourth, and third degrees) as specific felony levels (e.g., making hindering prosecution of a class B felony a class D felony). The changes directly affect individuals convicted of these specific crimes by modifying their sentencing ranges. The bill focuses solely on clarifying existing sentencing structures without introducing new offenses or penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReclassifies hindering prosecution/conspiracy to lower felony levels (e.g., class B felony hindering becomes class D), reducing sentencing severity and aligning with reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 30, 2025

S 3872: Relates to the availability of certain benefits to exonerees; repealer

Relates to claims for unjust conviction and imprisonment and the availability of certain benefits and entitlements to exonerees; allows for sealing of records, payment of awards and payment of attorney's fees; repeals certain provisions relating thereto.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides benefits, seals records, and pays fees for exonerees, advancing criminal justice reform by correcting wrongful convictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4176: Relates to designating crimes against public protection professionals

Enacts the Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling crimes against public protection professionals act; designates certain crimes against public protection professionals; enhances penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill enhances penalties for crimes against public protection professionals, increasing sentencing severity and opposing criminal justice reform efforts focused on reducing harsh penalties.90% confidence

Track

passed · New York · Assembly Apr 2, 2025

K 294: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Second Chance Month in the State of New York

This is a symbolic resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but asks the Governor to formally recognize the month to raise awareness about barriers faced by people with criminal records. The resolution cites statistics on employment challenges (e.g., 90% struggle to find work) and aligns with National Second Chance Month. It urges New Yorkers to support efforts removing barriers to reentry, though it has no direct legal effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSymbolic resolution promotes awareness of employment barriers for people with criminal records, aligning with Second Chance Month reform efforts to reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track