Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1390: Relates to consecutive sentencing for certain convictions for sex crimes

This bill (S 1390) requires consecutive sentencing for defendants convicted of multiple qualifying sex crimes. It directly affects individuals sentenced for two or more counts of specific sex offenses listed in New York’s penal law, including crimes under Article 263 and sections 130.75, 130.80, 130.95, and 130.96. The law changes sentencing rules by mandating that these sentences run one after another (consecutively), rather than simultaneously (concurrently), for the specified offenses. This applies to both current convictions and prior felony sex crime convictions under these sections.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates consecutive sentencing for multiple sex crimes, increasing mandatory prison time and contradicting criminal justice reform principles that reduce harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 123: Limits the admissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts use of defendant's creative expression as evidence, protecting civil rights and defendant rights in criminal proceedings.95% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6684: Permits at the discretion of the court certain members of the victim's family to read statements in court during the sentencing of a defendant

Permits at the discretion of the court certain members of the deceased victim's family to read statements in court during the sentencing of a defendant, rather than allowing only a single member of the victim's family to read a statement in court, upon consultation with counsel for the defendant and the people.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows multiple victim family members to share impact statements during sentencing, enhancing victim voice in criminal justice proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 694: Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 ft of a correctional facility

Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when in use under the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts drone use near correctional facilities to enhance security, directly protecting correctional infrastructure within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 973: Relates to expanding the offenses to which a child witness may testify by use of closed-circuit television to include murder

This bill expands the use of closed-circuit television for child witnesses in criminal trials to include murder cases. It specifically adds murder in the first degree (section 125.27) and murder in the second degree (section 125.25) to the list of offenses where children can testify via closed-circuit TV instead of in person. The change directly affects children who are witnesses in murder prosecutions, allowing them to testify remotely to reduce trauma. The bill amends existing criminal procedure law to include these murder statutes under the existing provisions for child witnesses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands remote testimony for child witnesses in murder cases to reduce trauma, aligning with victim protection in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5290: Requires that a defendant must be over twenty-five years old to be guilty of felony murder

This bill (S 5290) changes the law to require that a defendant must be over 25 years old to be convicted of felony murder. It applies specifically to cases where someone dies during the commission or escape from certain violent crimes like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or sexual assault. The law amends the penal code to exclude defendants under 25 from felony murder charges in these scenarios, meaning younger individuals cannot be held liable for felony murder even if they participated in the underlying crime. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExcludes under-25 defendants from felony murder charges, reducing harsh sentencing for youth and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 12, 2026

A 707: Directs the division of criminal justice services to promulgate safety standards and training requirements for the protection of law enforcement against biological hazards posed by certain persons in custody

Directs the division of criminal justice services to promulgate safety standards and training requirements for the protection of law enforcement staff against biological hazards posed by spitting of persons in custody.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates safety standards/training for law enforcement against biological hazards from inmates, directly enhancing officer safety within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3971: Prohibits persons from holding civil office when convicted of certain felonies

This bill prohibits individuals convicted of specific felonies from holding any civil office (such as elected or appointed government positions) for up to 10 years after conviction. It specifically bars office-holding for felonies listed in New York Penal Law articles 200, 496, or 195.20, or for felonies committed "through the use of" their office (e.g., under Penal Law article 215 or U.S. Code sections). For certain misdemeanors, it imposes a 5-year ban (extendable to 10 years under plea agreements involving felony charges). A certificate of relief from disabilities (e.g., a pardon) does not override this prohibition.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil rights for certain felons (e.g., holding office), aligning with 'restricts defendant rights' indicator under OPPOSE stance.85% confidence

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1746: Provides for the review of policies and practices pertaining to emerging infectious disease outbreaks in correctional facilities

Provides for the review of policies and practices pertaining to infectious disease outbreaks in correctional facilities, including the treatment and prevention of the disease among incarcerated individuals and staff.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reviews infectious disease policies in correctional facilities, improving health standards within criminal justice's correctional component.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires review of infectious disease policies in correctional facilities to improve treatment/prevention, strengthening public health protocols within healthcare settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5976: Authorizes a study by the department of corrections and community supervision pertaining to the treatment of aging prison populations

This bill authorizes the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to conduct a study on the treatment and conditions of aging prison populations. The study will profile current elderly incarcerated individuals, project future populations, and examine factors contributing to their growth. It will also assess the adequacy of specialized housing, medical care, and programs provided to meet their unique needs, such as accessibility and accommodations for diminished capacity. DOCCS must report its findings, conclusions, and legislative recommendations to the governor and legislature within one year.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill authorizes study on aging prison populations' treatment, assessing care adequacy and needs, aligning with reform goals to improve correctional conditions for vulnerable inmates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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