Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 11595: Requires each violator of "Buster's Law" to register with the division of criminal justice services

Requires each violator of "Buster's Law" to register the violator's name and address with the division of criminal justice services; makes the registration available to the public, law enforcement entities, district attorneys, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, dog or cat protective associations, animal control officers, breeders of animals, animal rescues and pet stores.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates registration for violators, enhancing public safety and law enforcement oversight, which aligns with strengthening criminal justice accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 10654: Relates to controlling and abusive litigation

Establishes penalties where a party is found to be engaged in controlling and abusive litigation against another where they have committed an act of domestic violence against the other party and in bad faith such person advances or continues litigation against the party who is the victim of the domestic violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill penalizes abusive litigation by domestic violence victims, protecting victims and enhancing judicial integrity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

R 2358: Establishes a plan setting forth an itemized list of grantees for 2026-2027 providing Public Protection and Economic Development programs and services

This bill establishes a plan to distribute state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to organizations providing public protection and economic development services in upstate New York. The funding supports a wide range of programs, including criminal and civil legal aid, gun violence prevention, crime reduction, and services for survivors of domestic violence. To receive these funds, local government agencies, community-based providers, and non-profits must be listed in an itemized plan approved by the Senate and the Division of the Budget. The bill also mandates that the final resolution spending the money be passed by a majority vote of all elected Senators.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for public protection and economic development programs, directly strengthening fiscal management and funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds public protection, gun violence prevention, and crime reduction programs, directly advancing criminal justice goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Firearms

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

R 2349: Amends a plan establishing itemized list of grantees for 2025-2026 providing community safety and restorative justice programs

This bill amends a previous resolution to update the official list of organizations receiving state funding for community safety and restorative justice programs in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It directly affects local government agencies, community-based service providers, and non-profit groups that offer services such as domestic violence support, gun violence prevention, legal aid, and gang reduction strategies. The key provision adds a detailed itemized list of specific grantees and their corresponding funding amounts to the existing plan, ensuring transparency in how the money is distributed. Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement that these funds can only be allocated or transferred between state agencies with approval from the temporary president of the Senate and the director of the budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill updates and maintains funding lists for community safety and restorative justice programs, indicating continued state financial support for essential services.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds community safety and restorative justice programs, which aligns with rehabilitation and crime reduction goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 11596: Adds libraries to the list of sensitive locations for immigration enforcement purposes

This bill updates New York State's civil rights law to include libraries as "sensitive locations" where immigration enforcement officers are generally prohibited from entering. The change directly affects libraries by legally restricting law enforcement access to these spaces, joining other protected sites like parks and playgrounds on the list. By amending the existing statute, the legislation ensures that library patrons can use facilities without fear of immigration raids, while the law remains neutral on the broader debate over immigration policy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by restricting immigration enforcement in libraries, enhancing police accountability and reducing fear for patrons.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects libraries as safe spaces for students, enhancing educational access and safety.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill adds libraries to sensitive locations, restricting immigration enforcement access to protect patrons and advance immigrant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement Libraries Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 15, 2026

A 11394: Increases access to substance abuse programming for incarcerated individuals whose first language is not English

This bill requires the state correction commissioner to improve access to substance abuse programs for incarcerated individuals who do not speak English as their first language. To achieve this, the law mandates actions such as hiring bilingual counselors, translating program materials, and creating targeted initiatives for non-English speakers. The commissioner must develop these strategies in consultation with the office of addiction services and supports. The changes are designed to ensure that language barriers do not prevent eligible inmates from understanding and completing available treatment options. This legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves rehabilitation access for non-English speakers, reducing recidivism and enhancing correctional program equity.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates hiring bilingual counselors and translating materials to improve access to substance abuse programming for non-English speakers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 11507: Establishes standardized procedures for visiting incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities

This bill establishes standardized rules for family and friends visiting incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities. It mandates that facilities allow in-person visits with physical contact every day of the week, including holidays, and requires processing visitors within one hour of their arrival. The legislation also creates systems to track and publicly report wait times, ensures visiting schedules are posted online, and defines specific procedures for security searches and medical exemptions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by enhancing family connections, which supports rehabilitation and reduces recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 10288: Relates to pro bono service by attorneys and candidates for admission to the bar

Authorizes a requirement of pro bono service as a condition of admission to the bar or attorney registration; exempts pro bono work performed pursuant to an agreement with the federal government if the federal government designates the recipients of the pro bono work or type or types or nature of such legal services; provides for the expiration of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandating pro bono service for attorneys enhances access to legal representation, which improves fairness in the justice system and protects civil rights.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 10108: Authorizes the correctional association to inspect residential juvenile detention facilities

This bill authorizes the Correctional Association of New York to inspect residential juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. It grants the association the power to conduct both scheduled and unannounced visits to review facility conditions, records, and staff, while also allowing confidential contact with youth residents. Additionally, the bill establishes a confidential toll-free hotline for youths to report abuse and expands the legal authority of Prisoners' Legal Services of New York to represent these youths, review their records, and investigate complaints. The legislation requires the Correctional Association to submit annual public reports on the state of these facilities and mandates that the Office of Children and Family Services respond in writing to any findings or recommendations. These provisions specifically apply to secure, limited secure, and non-secure facilities but exclude children placed in foster care or directly with relatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens oversight of juvenile detention facilities, protects youth rights, and enhances accountability in the corrections system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate May 27, 2026

S 10584: Establishes standardized procedures for visiting incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities

This bill creates a new article in the correction law to standardize visiting rules across state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals, their families, and facility staff. It mandates that facilities allow in-person contact visits with up to four people daily for at least six hours, including evenings on weekends and holidays, while requiring visitor processing to begin within one hour of arrival. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for different types of visits, sets limits on body scanner use and search procedures, and requires facilities to publish wait time data and update visiting schedules online. Additionally, the bill outlines specific rights for visitors regarding medical exemptions, religious accommodations, and the ability to appeal visit denials or suspensions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill standardizes visiting procedures to ensure access for families, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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