Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4185: Increases penalty for leaving scene of an accident without reporting to class E felony

This bill (S 4185) changes penalties for drivers who flee an accident scene without reporting. It reclassifies the basic offense - leaving without exchanging information or reporting - as a class E felony (previously a misdemeanor), with fines of $1,000-$2,500. If the accident causes serious injury, it becomes a class E felony ($1,000-$5,000 fine); if it causes death, it becomes a class D felony ($2,000-$5,000 fine). The bill directly affects drivers who fail to stop and report after collisions, increasing penalties for this specific behavior.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeReclassifies minor traffic offense as felony, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization without reform elements.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases penalties for hit-and-run offenses, directly enhancing road safety standards by deterring drivers from fleeing accident scenes.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5348: Relates to repeated instances of harassment giving rise to a charge of aggravated harassment in the second degree and harassment in the first degree

Relates to repeated instances of harassment giving rise to a charge of aggravated harassment in the second degree and harassment in the first degree; clarifies that the victim of such separate offenses does not need to be the same individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies legal standard for harassment charges, enabling prosecution of repeated offenses against different victims, strengthening enforcement without expanding criminalization.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2731: Allows rifles, shotguns, and firearms on college and university campuses

This bill amends New York's penal law to remove criminal penalties for possessing rifles, shotguns, or firearms on college and university campuses. It explicitly states that the prohibition on weapon possession "shall not apply to college or university buildings or grounds," meaning students, faculty, and visitors could legally carry such firearms without authorization on campus. However, the bill maintains that schools cannot authorize teachers, administrators, or non-security staff to carry weapons - only certified security personnel with special registration may be permitted to do so. The change eliminates the current class E felony charge for firearm possession on campus grounds, shifting the legal standard for campus safety.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill removes criminal penalties for campus firearm possession, expanding gun access contrary to criminal justice reform goals of reducing violence and enhancing safety measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2391: Relates to protecting witnesses in criminal prosecutions from intimidation and threats

Relates to protecting witnesses in criminal prosecutions from intimidation and threats by permitting the court to withhold disclosure of names and other information if the court finds on the record that such witness is subject to potential intimidation, violence or threats.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects witness rights in criminal prosecutions, preventing intimidation to ensure fair trials and aligns with criminal justice reform goals of safeguarding civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1473: Relates to the justified use of physical force

Relates to the justified use of physical force; removes requirement that a person facing an imminent physical threat must retreat; provides immunity from civil and criminal liability.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves retreat requirement for physical force use and grants immunity, weakening law enforcement accountability - aligns with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2641: Includes the use of a governmental agency to harass a person within the crime of harassment in the first degree

This bill amends New York's penal law to expand the definition of "aggravated harassment in the first degree." It specifically adds two new scenarios: (1) unlawfully disclosing confidential government-held information to harass someone, and (2) directing government employees to interact with a person in an official capacity to harass them. These actions would now be treated as aggravated harassment, increasing penalties for misusing government systems to cause fear or distress. The law directly affects individuals who exploit government agencies or data to target others with harassment, making such misuse a criminal offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding government-related harassment scenarios, increasing penalties for official misuse of authority.90% confidence

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passed · New York · Assembly Jan 28, 2026

A 3549: Relates to services for post-traumatic stress disorder for emergency dispatchers and correction officers

Requires the same benefits and services for post-traumatic stress disorder for emergency dispatchers and correction officers as are afforded police and firefighters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends PTSD benefits to correction officers (part of corrections system) as provided to police/firefighters, strengthening mental health support for criminal justice workforce.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExtends PTSD benefits to emergency dispatchers/correction officers, aligning with police/firefighter protections. Strengthens workplace safety and benefits for specific workers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4853: Relates to expanding the crime of public lewdness

Adds to the crime of public lewdness the electronic transmission of an image depicting exposed private or intimate parts without the consent of the recipient.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding electronic transmission of intimate images to public lewdness, aligning with 'expands criminalization' oppose indicator.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4381: Provides for the confidentiality, sealing and expungement of juvenile delinquency records; repealer

Provides for the confidentiality, sealing and expungement of juvenile delinquency records including providing notice to the respondent and attorney for the child when such acts of the court are ordered.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeJuvenile record expungement/sealing promotes rehabilitation and reduces recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3844: Relates to the imposition of securing orders for certain crimes committed by individuals without permanent residency status

Relates to the imposition of securing orders for offenses committed on a peace officer, police officer, firefighter, emergency medical services professional or uniformed worker by individuals without permanent residency status; provides such individuals shall be remanded to the custody of the sheriff for the entirety of the judicial proceedings related thereto.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates custody for entire proceedings for crimes against public safety workers by non-residents, reducing defendant rights (no bail) - an 'oppose' indicator.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates custody for non-residents committing crimes against officers, increasing state enforcement against undocumented immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Enforcement

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