Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7419: Relates to securing orders for certain firearms offenses

This bill, S 7419, amends the criminal procedure law concerning when courts can order an individual accused of certain felony firearm offenses to be held in custody. It expands the category of "criminal possession of a firearm or weapon" offenses that qualify for such orders, moving from only third-degree possession to any felony offense under Article 265 of the penal law. Concurrently, the bill removes "criminal sale of a firearm to a minor" from the specific list of offenses that allow for a court to remand a defendant to the sheriff's custody. These changes directly affect individuals charged with these felony offenses and the courts determining their pre-trial status.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands pretrial detention for any felony firearm offense, increasing restrictions on defendants without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3114: Relates to restricting sex offenders from residing in a community residence for the mentally disabled

This bill prohibits sex offenders from residing in community residences for people with disabilities. It directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses who are released from prison, on probation, or discharged from correctional facilities. Key provisions ban such individuals from moving into or remaining in these residences (defined under mental hygiene law) and require courts, social services, and mental health officials to deny admission or placement in these facilities. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts sex offender placement in community residences for disabled, limiting housing options under corrections policy90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 930: Provides for the ability of a court to set bail for repeat offenses

Provides for the ability of a court to set bail where the principal stands charged for the third time for the same offense within a period of two years.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts pretrial release for repeat offenders by mandating bail setting, reducing defendant rights and increasing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5409: Enhances penalties for committing multiple animal cruelty offenses

This bill (S 5409) strengthens penalties for individuals convicted of multiple animal cruelty offenses. It defines "aggravated cruelty" as intentionally causing extreme pain or acting sadistically toward companion animals, and specifically targets those with prior convictions for animal cruelty within the past decade. Under the bill, repeat offenders face escalating felony charges: a class E felony (up to 2 years in prison) for a second offense, class D for a third, and class C for a fourth or subsequent offense. The law explicitly excludes lawful activities like hunting, rabid animal dispatch, or approved scientific research from these penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill explicitly increases penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders (escalating felony charges), aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator for OPPOSE stance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7050: Relates to crimes committed during periods of post-release supervision

Provides that a person who commits a crime during a period of post-release supervision and when such charge culminates in a new sentence, the period of post-release supervision shall be deemed interrupted for any period in which such person was held in pre-trial detention.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill prevents pre-trial detention time from counting toward post-release supervision, restricting defendant rights by extending supervision periods without credit for detention time.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1070: Establishes the "Hoosock and Jensen law" which increases the designation of certain offenses relating to unlawfully fleeing a police officer

Designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree as a class E felony; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree as a class D violent felony offense; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree as a class B violent felony offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill upgrades fleeing police offenses to higher felony classifications, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1390: Relates to consecutive sentencing for certain convictions for sex crimes

This bill (S 1390) requires consecutive sentencing for defendants convicted of multiple qualifying sex crimes. It directly affects individuals sentenced for two or more counts of specific sex offenses listed in New York’s penal law, including crimes under Article 263 and sections 130.75, 130.80, 130.95, and 130.96. The law changes sentencing rules by mandating that these sentences run one after another (consecutively), rather than simultaneously (concurrently), for the specified offenses. This applies to both current convictions and prior felony sex crime convictions under these sections.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates consecutive sentencing for multiple sex crimes, increasing mandatory prison time and contradicting criminal justice reform principles that reduce harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3971: Prohibits persons from holding civil office when convicted of certain felonies

This bill prohibits individuals convicted of specific felonies from holding any civil office (such as elected or appointed government positions) for up to 10 years after conviction. It specifically bars office-holding for felonies listed in New York Penal Law articles 200, 496, or 195.20, or for felonies committed "through the use of" their office (e.g., under Penal Law article 215 or U.S. Code sections). For certain misdemeanors, it imposes a 5-year ban (extendable to 10 years under plea agreements involving felony charges). A certificate of relief from disabilities (e.g., a pardon) does not override this prohibition.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil rights for certain felons (e.g., holding office), aligning with 'restricts defendant rights' indicator under OPPOSE stance.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5326: Enacts the criminal street gang related crimes act

This bill (A 5326, "Criminal Street Gang Related Crimes Act") creates enhanced penalties for specific violent crimes committed in connection with criminal street gangs. It directly affects individuals convicted of listed offenses - such as assault, robbery, kidnapping, or arson - when linked to gang membership or activity. Key provisions define "criminal street gang" and "gang-related crime," then increase penalties: violent felonies become higher-level felonies, while non-violent offenses are upgraded by one category (e.g., an E felony becomes a D felony). The law applies only to crimes meeting strict gang activity criteria, mirroring similar laws in other states.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates enhanced penalties for gang-related violent crimes, increasing sentences. This aligns with 'increases mandatory sentences' and 'expands criminalization', indicators of an 'oppose' stance in criminal justice reform context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5165: Provides that sentence for commission of certain provisions of murder in the first degree is death or life without parole

This bill (A 5165) changes sentencing requirements for certain serious crimes in New York. It mandates that defendants convicted of specific types of first-degree murder (as defined in sections 125.27(i)-(iii) of the penal law), aggravated murder, or certain terrorism/chemical weapon offenses must receive either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. For other first-degree murder convictions, the court must choose between death, life without parole, or a standard class A-I felony sentence. The bill also specifies that individuals convicted of murder in the second degree under defined circumstances must receive life without parole. These changes apply directly to defendants convicted of the listed offenses in New York State.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates death or life without parole for certain first-degree murders, increasing mandatory sentences per oppose indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

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