Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3247: Relates to criminal possession of a flamethrower

This bill makes possessing a flamethrower a class E felony under New York law. It defines a "flamethrower" as any device projecting burning fuel at least three feet, excluding inoperable displays. The law specifically excludes historical flamethrowers (built before 1966 with at least five significant pre-1966 components), those used for agriculture/construction, and flamethrowers owned before the law takes effect. It does not ban manufacturing or restoring components, only possession of active devices meeting the definition. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies flamethrower possession as felony, expanding criminalization of weapons under NY law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5209: Facilitates compliance with the sex offender registry for offenders without a registerable residence

Facilitates compliance with the sex offender registry for offenders without a registerable residence; defines "homeless sex offender" and "sex offender registration officer"; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies sex offender registry compliance for homeless offenders, ensuring effective implementation of existing criminal justice system requirements within corrections framework.92% confidence

Track

failed · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 5690: Relates to reports by the office of special investigation

Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates timely reports on officer-involved deaths to enhance police accountability, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 3523: Relates to testimonies in parole hearings

Requires that all comments and testimony made by a third party either in support or opposition in a parole hearing shall be considered when coming to a decision; adds provisions relating to confidentiality of victim statements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates consideration of all third-party testimony in parole hearings, including victim confidentiality, promoting fairer decisions and victim rights in corrections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7176: Relates to the discoverability of recordings found on police body worn cameras and vehicle cameras

Bill A 7176 amends civil practice law to require full disclosure of recordings from police body worn cameras and vehicle cameras in civil cases. This means all relevant footage, including outtakes, must be provided if it involves a person central to the case. The bill ensures that parties involved in civil proceedings can access these recordings. However, it does not apply to materials compiled for law enforcement purposes that are already exempt from disclosure under existing public officers law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates full disclosure of police body camera footage in civil cases, enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

passed both · New York · Assembly Apr 29, 2026

A 4871: Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year

Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the administration, function and effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates annual reporting on Drug Treatment Court effectiveness, promoting program evaluation and potential reform within criminal justice92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4034: Places kratom on the schedules of controlled substances

This bill would classify kratom (mitragyna speciosa korth) as a Schedule I controlled substance under New York State law, making its possession, sale, and use illegal without a specific license. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, placing kratom in the same category as drugs like heroin or LSD. The bill amends the public health law to add kratom to Schedule I, requiring state agencies to implement necessary rules within 90 days of the law's effective date. This change would directly affect individuals using kratom for personal purposes, businesses selling kratom products, and law enforcement handling related cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by classifying kratom as Schedule I (illegal without license), aligning with 'oppose' indicators (expands criminalization).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7313: Exempts from disclosure on the freedom of information law, the issuance of pistol permits to active and retired police officers, peace officers and correction officers

Exempts from disclosure, under the freedom of information law, the issuance of pistol permits to active and retired police officers, peace officers and correction officers.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill exempts pistol permit issuance for law enforcement from public disclosure, weakening oversight and transparency, opposing reform efforts focused on accountability.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7791: Relates to criminal trespass in the third degree

Adds to the definition of trespassing in the third degree, not having entered a lease or license for such building or real property with the rightful owner, enters or remains in such building or upon such real property or otherwise occupies such building or real property without title, right, permission of the rightful owner, or payment of rent accepted by the rightful owner.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by broadening trespass definition to include occupancy without permission or rent payment, increasing potential for prosecution.85% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3453: Relates to enhancing penalties and protecting victims of crimes of domestic violence

This bill (S 3453) increases penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses by adding a 10-year lookback period for prior convictions. It creates a new "aggravated harassment in the first degree" offense specifically for individuals who commit harassment against someone they live with or are in a domestic relationship with, after a prior harassment conviction within the last decade. The bill also amends related offenses like assault, strangulation, and menacing to include stricter penalties when the perpetrator has a prior conviction for similar crimes and is part of the same household or family as the victim. These changes directly affect repeat offenders in domestic relationships, making certain offenses class E or D felonies instead of lower-level charges. The bill focuses on holding repeat domestic violence perpetrators accountable through enhanced sentencing.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for domestic violence repeat offenses and creates new aggravated harassment offense, aligning with OPPOSE indicators of stricter sentencing and expanded criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing Violent Crime

Track