Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 503: Relates to admitting evidence of similar crimes in sexual offense cases

S 503 allows courts to admit evidence of a defendant’s prior sexual offenses in current sexual offense cases, provided the evidence is relevant to issues like motive, intent, or a common pattern. The court must first determine that the evidence’s value outweighs its potential to unfairly prejudice the defendant. Prosecutors must disclose such evidence to the defense at least 15 days before trial, including witness details or testimony summaries. This bill applies to all pending cases after its effective date, aligning with federal evidence standards for similar crimes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands admissibility of prior sexual offenses, reducing defendant rights by allowing evidence that could prejudice trials despite safeguards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1105: Requires the use of canines for contraband screening at correctional facilities housing one hundred or more incarcerated individuals

This bill requires all state correctional facilities housing 100 or more inmates to include trained canines in their contraband screening plans specifically for detecting illegal drugs. Facilities must use leashed and controlled canines during screenings, as mandated by an amendment to the correction law. The policy applies immediately to all qualifying facilities, replacing previous screening methods with this canine-based requirement. It directly affects larger correctional facilities by adding a concrete, drug-focused screening mechanism to their security protocols.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires canine contraband screening in prisons, enhancing security and safety within corrections. This strengthens facility operations in the criminal justice system's correctional component.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3763: Protects the rights of people in prisons, jails and forensic facilities

Protects the rights of people in prisons, jails and forensic facilities; limits the use of cell or segregated confinement; grants access to tablets, visitation, and certain items.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects incarcerated rights, limits segregation confinement, and grants access to tablets/visitation - directly advancing criminal justice reform through improved conditions and civil rights safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3796: Provides that certain applicants be eligible for conviction sealing

This bill (S 3796) allows individuals convicted of specific non-violent offenses to apply to have their court records expunged ("sealed"). It directly affects people with up to four eligible offenses (including traffic violations like Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192.1, but excluding sex offenses, violent felonies, or certain other serious crimes) and no more than one felony conviction. Key provisions require a 10-year waiting period after sentence completion (excluding incarceration time), an application process with court forms, and court review - while denying requests for those with pending charges, prior sealing, or ineligible offenses. The bill aims to provide relief for qualifying individuals by removing certain convictions from public records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables record sealing for non-violent offenders, reducing barriers to reintegration and promoting rehabilitation - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 12, 2026

A 1297: Eliminates mandatory minimum sentences; repealer

This bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain offenses, replacing them with judicial discretion to determine appropriate sentences based on individual circumstances. It requires courts to provide written explanations for sentencing decisions and mandates that pre-sentence reports include analysis of incarceration costs to the state. Defendants gain expanded access to pre-sentence reports used in sentencing decisions, and judges must consider rehabilitation and community safety goals rather than fixed minimum terms. The law applies to felony sentencing under New York's penal and criminal procedure laws, directly affecting judges, defendants, and the state correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates mandatory minimums, mandates judicial discretion, requires rehabilitation consideration, and expands defendant access - directly aligns with reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6358: Restores judicial discretion relating to bail reform; repealer

Restores judicial discretion relating to bail reform; provides that when the defendant is charged with a felony, the court shall request of the applicable county pre-trial services agency a risk and needs assessment be conducted on the eligible defendant for the purpose of determining whether such defendant should be released on the defendant's own recognizance, released under non-monetary conditions or, where authorized, bail or commit the defendant to the custody of the sheriff; defines risks and needs assessment; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores judicial discretion in bail decisions for felons, requiring risk assessments to reduce unnecessary pretrial detention, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing incarceration and protecting defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 4674: Enacts the "criminal court opinion transparency act"

This bill, the "Criminal Court Opinion Transparency Act," requires New York courts to publish detailed statistics about criminal cases online, including defendant demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity), judge information, and case outcomes. It mandates that this data be made available in machine-readable tabular format for free public download, updated quarterly, and accessible through a searchable online database. The bill also requires court clerks to automatically transmit criminal court opinions to the state reporter in machine-readable format within five days of issuance, without cost to municipalities. These changes aim to increase public access to judicial decision-making processes in criminal cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires public transparency of criminal court data including demographics and outcomes, enhancing oversight and accountability - key indicators of criminal justice reform.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6504: Directs the division of criminal justice services to develop a human trafficking interceptors program

This bill directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services to create a "human trafficking interceptors program" in collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies. The program aims to identify and assist human trafficking victims through coordinated efforts. Key provisions require the Division to develop guidelines and adopt necessary rules to operate the program, with immediate implementation allowed before the bill's effective date. The law directly affects the Division of Criminal Justice Services and its partner agencies, focusing on practical steps to address trafficking. It does not change existing laws but mandates a new operational framework for victim assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates human trafficking victim assistance program through coordinated law enforcement efforts, aligning with victim protection in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6957: Provides judges with more discretion to impose bail on principals and requires certain principals be committed to the custody of the sheriff; repealer

Provides judges with more discretion to impose bail on principals charged with a felony, principals charged with a misdemeanor when awaiting trial for another crime, principals who are a threat to the safety and security of the community, principals charged with a felony serving a sentence of probation or while released to post release supervision; requires principals who have been charged with an offense related to three separate alleged instances of criminal activity are committed to the custody of the sheriff.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts bail options for certain defendants, requiring custody in multiple-offense cases, reducing pretrial release opportunities and defendant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 11, 2026

A 2138: Provides for victim statements at the sentencing of a defendant for a misdemeanor

This bill allows victims of certain misdemeanor offenses to make statements at sentencing. Specifically, it applies when a defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor related to a vehicle traffic offense that originally involved a felony charge resulting in serious physical injury to the victim. Victims must request this statement at least 10 days before sentencing, and the court must notify the defendant at least 7 days in advance. If the defendant doesn't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not apply to all misdemeanors, only those tied to specific traffic-related felony charges with serious injury.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows victims to submit statements in specific misdemeanor cases, enhancing victim rights and court transparency in sentencing - consistent with reform efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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