Criminal Justice

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 8059: Establishes a blue envelope program for persons with mental health disorders, behavioral disorders and persons who are neurodivergent

Establishes a blue envelope program for persons with mental health disorders, behavioral disorders and persons who are neurodivergent to be provided with blue envelopes to keep their identification, vehicle registration, and other related documents to improve their safety during law enforcement interactions; requires the municipal police training council to promulgate rules and regulations requiring training and instruction for all police officers with respect to the blue envelope program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides blue envelopes for vulnerable individuals during police interactions, requiring officer training to enhance safety and reduce harm - promotes reform in law enforcement practices92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 989: Establishes the offense of aggravated reckless endangerment; includes aggravated reckless endangerment as a qualified offense the court must consider and take into account for securing an order

Establishes the offense of aggravated reckless endangerment; includes aggravated reckless endangerment as a qualified offense the court must consider and take into account for securing an order.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates courts to consider aggravated reckless endangerment for securing protective orders, enhancing victim safety protocols in criminal justice proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5357: Relates to recovery community centers

This bill establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery community centers in New York. It requires the state commissioner to create evidence-based regulations covering staffing, safety, participant rights, referrals to support services, and administrative policies. Certified centers will be listed on a state website as verified options for individuals seeking recovery support, and the commissioner can inspect centers or revoke certification for noncompliance. The bill also directs the commissioner to work with the health department to ensure these services become reimbursable through state Medicaid.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes certified recovery centers with evidence-based regulations to support rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and advancing criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes certification for recovery centers with evidence-based regulations, improving access to mental health recovery services and protecting participant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5948: Establishes the peer advocacy and mentoring program

S 5948 creates a new peer advocacy and mentoring program within New York's Office of Children and Family Services. The program provides peer support, advocacy, and mentoring specifically for youth in residential care facilities, with priority for those placed under Family Court Act §353.3. It requires contracting with nonprofit organizations to hire peer advocates who are former youth in residential care (ages 16-30), trained in emotional/behavioral support, and who maintain confidentiality. The program connects youth to resources like attorneys for the child while ensuring advocates cannot disclose youth identities without consent. This bill establishes concrete policy changes to improve support for vulnerable youth in state care.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides peer mentoring for youth in residential care under Family Court Act §353.3, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism in juvenile justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 18, 2025

A 1843: Relates to authorizing early parole release for incarcerated individuals where substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense

Relates to authorizing early parole release for incarcerated individuals where substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes early parole for substance abuse-related offenses, aligning with rehabilitation-focused reform to reduce recidivism and address root causes of crime.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1045: Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; establishes the biometric surveillance regulation task force; and provides for the expiration and repeal of certain provisions

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; establishes the biometric surveillance regulation task force; provides for the expiration and repeal of certain provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement biometric surveillance, aligning with civil rights protection and police accountability in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits biometric surveillance by law enforcement, directly enhancing data privacy protections as a core indicator of support for technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4528: Relates to police staffing at certain parks

Requires the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public using facilities under its jurisdiction, which shall include ensuring a minimum staff of three hundred eighty-five permanently appointed, full time regional state park police officers at state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites and concert venues; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates minimum 385 full-time park police officers for public safety, directly strengthening law enforcement presence in recreational facilities under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4617: 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 witnesses from intimidation in prosecutions, enhancing court integrity and participant safety per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2096: Requires forfeiture of certain property by certain persons convicted of sexual performance of child offenses

Permits civil forfeiture action to recover property used in or proceeds derived from criminal activity relating to sexual performances by a child; directs proceeds be used by local social services offices for the prevention and treatment of sexual abuses against children.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill uses civil forfeiture for child sexual abuse crimes and directs proceeds to prevention/treatment services, advancing victim support and crime reduction in criminal justice.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3963: Relates to recovery community centers

This bill establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery community centers that support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It requires the state commissioner to create evidence-based regulations covering staffing, safety, participant rights, confidentiality, and coordination with other services. Certified centers will be listed on a state website as verified options, and the commissioner can inspect them, impose penalties for noncompliance, and ensure services are Medicaid-reimbursable. The program directly affects recovery centers seeking recognition and the state agency implementing oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes recovery centers with evidence-based standards, supporting rehabilitation to reduce recidivism - a key criminal justice reform goal.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes certification program for substance use recovery centers with evidence-based regulations, enhancing mental health service access and patient rights per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Medicaid Substance Abuse

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