Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4153: Enhances the penalties for crimes committed during a riot

This bill upgrades penalties for riot-related offenses under New York's penal law. It reclassifies riot in the first degree as a class D felony (previously a class E felony) and both riot in the second degree and inciting riot as class E felonies (previously misdemeanors). The bill also ties riot charges to stricter bail rules, making individuals charged with riot offenses ineligible for release on their own recognizance if they simultaneously committed other crimes like arson or property damage during the disturbance. These changes directly affect people who participate in or incite riots, particularly during events involving property damage or harm to others.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases felony classifications for riot offenses and imposes stricter bail rules, aligning with oppose indicators of harsher penalties and expanded criminalization.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7282: Ends involuntary servitude in correctional facilities in New York state

This bill, S 7282 ("No Slavery in New York Act"), prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor for all incarcerated individuals in New York State correctional facilities, including those convicted of crimes. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor in the state, and adds a new provision to the Correction Law banning any labor compelled by force, adverse actions, or threats. The law takes effect immediately and directly affects all people incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities across New York.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans forced labor in NY prisons, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting incarcerated individuals' civil rights and explicitly prohibiting involuntary servitude.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBans forced labor for incarcerated individuals, protecting against exploitation in correctional workplaces, directly aligns with labor rights protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Human Trafficking

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passed · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 5265: Requires screening incarcerated individuals for eligibility for public benefits prior to release

Requires screening incarcerated individuals for eligibility for public benefits prior to release and assistance in applying for such programs; requires officials to seek waivers from the USDA for eligibility for such program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes post-release reintegration by connecting incarcerated individuals to SNAP, reducing recidivism through rehabilitation support.85% confidence

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died · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 4957: Provides for review of bail data reports by the state commission on judicial conduct

Provides for review of bail data reports by the state commission on judicial conduct to study such reports for evidence of bias or prejudice by any judge or justice, and where appropriate based on such reports, to initiate, investigate, and hear complaints and otherwise comment on matters of bias and prejudice evidenced therein.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates review of bail data for judicial bias, enhancing oversight to protect against prejudice in court decisions, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7360: Provides for orders of protection for harassment

This bill (S 7360) standardizes the duration of court-issued protective orders for harassment victims after criminal convictions. It requires courts to set specific time limits for these orders based on the offense type: up to 8 years for felony sexual assault convictions, up to 5 years for certain class A misdemeanors, and up to 2 years for other offenses. Courts must also state on record why they issued or denied such orders when a temporary order was previously granted. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of harassment-related crimes and the courts issuing protective orders in those cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill standardizes protective order durations and requires court justification, enhancing victim protection and transparency in criminal proceedings. Aligns with supporting civil rights and accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9035: Establishes a task force on victim services reimbursements

This bill creates a 12-member task force to study and improve how New York reimburses victim services providers - specifically nonprofits supporting victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and other harms. The task force will examine current reimbursement rates, funding models, and regulations that make it difficult for these organizations to sustain operations. It must hold public hearings across the state and submit two reports (within 1 year and 2 years) with recommendations to modernize the funding system. The task force’s work will inform future legislative proposals but does not change funding directly.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates task force to improve victim services reimbursement rates for nonprofits aiding crime victims, directly supporting victim assistance within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 425: Limits the transport of an arrested, detained or apprehended person in an unmarked police vehicle or concealed identity police vehicle

Prohibits the transport of a person in an unmarked police vehicle or concealed identity police vehicle after being arrested, detained or apprehended by a police officer or peace officer who is not wearing such officer's uniform unless an officer in uniform is present for the duration of the transport; prohibits stops and searches by a police officer or peace officer who is not wearing such officer's uniform using an unmarked police vehicle or a concealed identity police vehicle unless an officer in uniform is present for the duration of the stop and search.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires uniformed officers during transport, enhancing police accountability and transparency in law enforcement procedures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8993: Increases penalties for assaulting, stalking, or harassing an elected official

This bill increases criminal penalties for assaulting, stalking, or harassing elected officials in New York State. It specifically targets acts causing serious injury to officials (including local leaders like town board or school board members) or threatening their safety, making these offenses felonies with higher penalties. Assault becomes a class C felony, aggravated assault a class B felony, stalking a class D felony, and certain harassment a class E felony. These changes apply to anyone who intentionally harms an official or their immediate family while they perform public duties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaults on officials, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing, contradicting reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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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 2013: Relates to criminalizing the sale, use and possession of synthetic drugs

This bill criminalizes the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs (like "bath salts," "spice," or "synthetic marijuana") without a valid prescription. It broadly defines "synthetic drugs" to cover multiple chemical categories - including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and related compounds - plus any structural analogs. The only exception is if a licensed physician prescribed the drug and the person can provide written proof to law enforcement. Each violation is treated as a separate offense, directly affecting individuals using these products without medical authorization.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by broadly defining synthetic drugs as illegal without medical exception, increasing penalties rather than promoting reform or reducing offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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