Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6253: Ends the imposition of a sentence of life without parole or death; repealer

This bill eliminates life without parole and the death penalty as sentencing options in New York. It repeals provisions allowing these sentences and replaces them with fixed-term imprisonment for serious crimes like murder. For example, murder in the first degree now carries a minimum 20-year sentence instead of life without parole, while murder in the second degree or aggravated murder now requires a life sentence (with parole eligibility after 15 years). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of capital offenses who would previously have faced the death penalty or life without parole. It removes all references to "life without parole" from sentencing laws and modifies parole eligibility rules for certain inmates.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals life without parole/death penalty, replaces with fixed terms and parole eligibility, advancing criminal justice reform by reducing harsh sentencing95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 59: Requires victims be notified of right to make a victim impact statement and allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement

Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates victim notification and participation in parole hearings, enhancing victim rights within criminal justice process per reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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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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passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 5134: Establishes a uniform electronic medical records system for correctional facilities

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop a uniform electronic medical records system to be utilized by all correctional facilities in the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates uniform medical records in correctional facilities, improving healthcare access and oversight in prisons, supporting rehabilitation and inmate health within criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates uniform EMR system in correctional facilities, improving medical record access and coordination for inmates' healthcare, involving health/mental health officials.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5165: Provides that sentence for commission of certain provisions of murder in the first degree is death or life without parole

This bill (A 5165) changes sentencing requirements for certain serious crimes in New York. It mandates that defendants convicted of specific types of first-degree murder (as defined in sections 125.27(i)-(iii) of the penal law), aggravated murder, or certain terrorism/chemical weapon offenses must receive either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. For other first-degree murder convictions, the court must choose between death, life without parole, or a standard class A-I felony sentence. The bill also specifies that individuals convicted of murder in the second degree under defined circumstances must receive life without parole. These changes apply directly to defendants convicted of the listed offenses in New York State.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates death or life without parole for certain first-degree murders, increasing mandatory sentences per oppose indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1578: Relates to sentencing of person convicted of murdering a minor

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a minor shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates life without parole for murder of minors, increasing mandatory sentences and opposing criminal justice reform efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4974: Establishes a reentry services and treatment fund

Establishes a reentry services and treatment fund; establishes training requirements for peace officers related to mental illness and trauma informed care.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes a dedicated fund for reentry services, directly allocating government spending (appropiation) under budget management, aligning with funding essential programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates reentry fund and mandates mental health training for officers, directly advancing rehabilitation and accountability - core criminal justice reform pillars.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes treatment fund and mandates mental health training for officers, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4583: Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents of children and their children

Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents and their children; requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish rules and regulations relating to conditions in institutions and correctional facilities and the treatment and care of birthing parents in such institutions and facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires humane treatment standards for incarcerated birthing parents, advancing human rights within correctional facilities per bill's explicit language.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates healthcare standards for incarcerated birthing parents, requiring treatment regulations to protect health and safety in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 29, 2026

A 3934: Establishes a reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities

Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates reintegration program to reduce recidivism through post-release support services, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5068: Requires sex offenders who fail to register or verify twice or more to wear a location-tracking device

Requires sex offenders who fail to register or verify their registration on two or more occasions to wear a location-tracking device while on probation, parole, conditional release or post-release supervision; establishes failure to wear such device shall be a class D felony and grounds for revocation of parole and probation.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill classifies failure to wear location tracker as class D felony, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties for sex offenders, opposing reform-focused criminal justice approaches.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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