Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2682: Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to publicly post certain information after the death of an individual in the custody of the department

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to publicly post the name, identifying information and a summary incident report after the death of an individual in the custody of the department.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires public posting of incident reports after custody deaths, enhancing transparency and accountability in corrections oversight, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3714: Provides that certain sex offenders who are released on parole or sentenced to probation may not enter public, association or free libraries

This bill prohibits certain sex offenders on parole or probation from entering public, association, or free libraries. It specifically targets individuals convicted of crimes against minors (under 18) or designated as Level 3 sex offenders. As a mandatory condition of release, these offenders must avoid all such libraries unless authorized in writing by their parole/probation officer and library administrator for limited purposes like being a student, employee, or having a family member enrolled. The restriction applies only during library hours when minors are present at the facility.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts library access for specific sex offenders on parole/probation, adding mandatory conditions that limit offender rights without promoting rehabilitation or reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 128: Requires notice to crime victims that they have the right to attend interviews between the board of parole and the incarcerated individual; requires the board of parole to review victim impact statements

Requires the notice to crime victims of case disposition to inform the victim of the right to attend interviews between the board of parole and the incarcerated individual in cases where the final disposition includes a felony defined in article one hundred twenty-five of the penal law that results in the commitment of the defendant to the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision for an indeterminate sentence; requires the board of parole to review victim impact statements, failure to review such statements shall make a hearing by the board of parole invalid.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates victim notification and review of impact statements in parole hearings, enhancing victim rights within criminal justice reform process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 608: Expands prison work release program eligibility and participation

This bill expands eligibility for New York's prison work release programs by extending the timeframe for parole eligibility from two to three years before release. It allows incarcerated individuals convicted of homicide or assault to qualify if they prove they were abused by the victim and the abuse contributed to the crime, requiring documentation like hospital records or police reports. The bill excludes those convicted of serious offenses like sex crimes, terrorism, or child sexual abuse from participating. It also requires the commissioner to consult prosecutors and courts before approving exceptions, while maintaining restrictions on those with escape convictions or certain violent histories. This directly affects incarcerated people in New York state facilities seeking work release opportunities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands prison work release eligibility to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like improved correctional programming.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1658: Requires a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, and murder in the second degree

This bill requires life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, or specific types of murder in the second degree. It eliminates parole eligibility for these offenders, mandating they serve their entire sentence in prison with no possibility of release. The law applies to all such convictions under the defined legal standards, removing alternative sentencing options like fixed prison terms. Additionally, the bill includes similar life without parole requirements for certain terrorism and chemical weapon offenses, but the primary focus centers on murder sentencing reforms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates life without parole for specified murders, eliminating parole eligibility and increasing mandatory sentences, directly opposing criminal justice reform by reducing defendant rights and harshening sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8182: Provides for access to legal counsel when a correctional facility has suspended visiting privileges

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish procedures to allow an incarcerated individual in a correctional facility which has suspended visiting privileges to have private meetings with their legal counsel.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures incarcerated individuals maintain access to legal counsel during facility visiting suspensions, protecting defendant rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5356: Directs the office of mental health to conduct a study on the effects of abuse suffered while incarcerated on formerly incarcerated individuals

This bill requires the Office of Mental Health, working with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, to study how abuse experienced during incarceration affects formerly incarcerated individuals. The study must examine both short-term and long-term mental, behavioral, and physical health impacts, associated costs, and identify effective treatment approaches. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the Office must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects formerly incarcerated people by mandating an analysis of abuse-related harms they face post-incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStudies incarceration abuse effects to inform mental health treatments, advancing rehabilitation efforts in criminal justice reform85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates study on incarceration abuse's mental health impacts to identify effective treatments, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 942: Makes life imprisonment without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of murder in the first degree or second degree and the victim is a police officer, peace officer, first responder or correctional officer

Makes life imprisonment without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of murder in the first degree or second degree and the victim is a police officer, peace officer, first responder or correctional officer.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandatory life without parole for specific murders increases sentencing severity and reduces defendant rights, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6525: Requires a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, and murder in the second degree

This bill mandates a life imprisonment sentence without parole for specific murder convictions. It directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder involving the killing of a first responder, certain second-degree murders, or aggravated murder. The law requires courts to impose this sentence automatically in these cases, removing judicial discretion for these offenses. It does not apply to defendants under 18 at the time of the crime, who may still receive other sentencing options.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates life without parole for specific murders, removes judicial discretion, and increases mandatory sentences - directly opposing reform efforts that reduce harsh penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4382: Creates a tax credit for employment of persons on probation or parole

This bill creates a New York state tax credit for employers who hire formerly incarcerated individuals on probation or parole. Employers receive a 35% credit against state taxes for the first $6,000 in wages paid to qualifying employees during their first year of employment. To qualify, an employee must have a felony conviction, be on probation or parole, and work full-time for at least 180 days. The credit coordinates with the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, using second-year wages for employees who also qualify for the federal program. The policy directly affects New York employers and formerly incarcerated individuals seeking stable employment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a 35% state tax credit for employers hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, providing direct tax relief to businesses. This aligns with fiscal policy support for workforce development programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates tax credit for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals on probation/parole, directly promoting reentry and reducing recidivism through employment incentives.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates tax credit to incentivize hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, directly advancing employment opportunities and reducing barriers for a vulnerable workforce.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Probation & Parole

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