Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 575: Provides for rules and regulations for strip searches in correctional facilities

Directs the state commission of correction to promulgate rules and regulations for strip searches in correctional facilities which at a minimum include a requirement that no fewer than two staff members shall be present for any strip search.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates two staff for strip searches, enhancing oversight and protecting inmate rights in corrections, aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5792: Relates to permitting a qualified incarcerated individual eligible for early release to receive a conditional release

Relates to permitting an incarcerated individual who has had a final order of deportation issued against such incarcerated individual, has not been convicted of an A-1 felony and who is eligible for early release to receive a conditional release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables conditional release for eligible incarcerated individuals with deportation orders, promoting rehabilitation and reducing unnecessary incarceration per criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill allows conditional release for incarcerated individuals with final deportation orders, advancing their immediate situation within the state's legal system.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Detention Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3653: Requires the disclosure of video footage related to the death of an incarcerated individual involving a correctional officer

Requires the disclosure of video footage related to the death of an incarcerated individual involving a correctional officer to the attorney general's office of special investigation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires video disclosure in inmate death cases involving officers, enhancing oversight and accountability in corrections, aligning with reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6500: Establishes merit time allowance credits and certain administrative privileges credits for local correctional facilities

S 6500 establishes a merit time allowance credit program for eligible individuals in local correctional facilities (those serving one year or less sentences or awaiting trial). Participants earn one 24-hour credit for every four days of successful involvement in approved educational, vocational, work, or rehabilitative programs. These credits directly reduce their sentence time and are transferable to state facilities if convicted of a felony. The program requires voluntary participation, prohibits using non-participation as evidence against individuals, and mandates facilities to maintain and transfer credit records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates merit time credits for rehabilitation programs in correctional facilities, reducing sentences for participation. This promotes rehabilitation, reduces recidivism, and aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7216: Relates to segregated confinement

This bill prohibits segregated confinement (solitary isolation) for three specific groups: juveniles under 21, individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities, and those with permanent physical disabilities that substantially limit major life activities (like walking or seeing). It also requires the commissioner to publish quarterly reports on segregated confinement use, including related self-harm incidents. Facility rules must now specify that any segregated confinement sanction must be the minimum necessary duration for maintaining order. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits solitary confinement for vulnerable populations in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform and civil rights protections.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits solitary confinement for individuals with mental illness, protecting their mental health and requiring self-harm incident reporting.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6164: Prohibits certain limitations of visitation of incarcerated individuals

This bill prohibits prisons and jails from unjustly restricting in-person visits for incarcerated people. It requires facilities to allow at least two in-person visits per week and bans coercion to skip visits, while still permitting video calls as an extra option (not a replacement). Exceptions are allowed for safety reasons like misconduct or emergencies, as determined by corrections officials. The law directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families by protecting their right to regular face-to-face contact.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects incarcerated individuals' visitation rights, requiring in-person visits and preventing coercion - directly advancing rehabilitation and family connections, key to criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5085: Modifies the factors to be considered when making a parole release decision

This bill modifies New York's parole decision process by updating the factors parole boards must consider. It requires boards to evaluate an incarcerated person's institutional record, release plans, victim input (including statements about post-sentencing threats), deportation status, sentence length, and prior criminal history. The bill replaces the term "inmate" with "incarcerated person" throughout the law and mandates toll-free victim access and written reports for victim statements. It takes effect immediately, focusing on concrete procedural changes to parole assessments.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeUpdates parole factors to include rehabilitation considerations and victim input about post-sentencing threats, aligning with reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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died · New York · Senate Mar 13, 2026

S 643: Establishes the youth justice innovation fund

Establishes the youth justice innovation fund to make funds available to community-based organizations for services and programs with the purpose of youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new fund allocating state resources to community organizations for youth development programs, directly increasing public service funding under budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents youth arrest/incarceration via community programs, aligning with reform goals of reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4890: Establishes the crime of harassment of an employee by an incarcerated individual

S 4890 creates a new crime for incarcerated individuals who harass facility employees. It specifically prohibits: (1) displaying or touching intimate body parts in view of an employee, (2) causing an employee to be visible while doing so, or (3) threatening to expose bodily fluids. This applies to employees at correctional facilities, parole offices, mental health facilities, probation departments, or police officers. The offense is classified as a class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines or up to 90 days in jail.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects correctional staff from harassment, enhancing facility safety and operational integrity within criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects correctional facility employees from harassment, strengthening workplace safety protections for specific workers in high-risk environments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Probation & Parole Employment Discrimination

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3119: Establishes the crime of inciting violence against a police officer

S 3119 creates a new felony offense for intentionally advocating violence against police officers when that advocacy is likely to incite immediate violence. It directly affects individuals who publicly call for violence against officers, such as through speeches, social media, or other communications. The law defines the crime as a class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison, and requires proof of both intent to incite violence and a likelihood of imminent harm. The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment if passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony for inciting violence against police, expanding criminalization of speech and restricting advocacy that could lead to violence against officers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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