Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 178: Prohibits using possession of reproductive or sexual health devices as evidence in a trial, hearing or proceeding in certain circumstances

Provides that possession of a condom or other reproductive or sexual health device may not be received in evidence in any trial, hearing or proceeding as evidence of conduct which would constitute an offense defined in article 230 of the penal law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminalization of reproductive health choices by barring evidence use in sexual offense cases, protecting civil rights in court proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6335: Relates to asset forfeiture

This bill amends how money from asset forfeiture cases is distributed. It increases the portion going to the Chemical Dependence Service Fund from 15% to 40% of remaining forfeiture funds after other costs are covered. It also raises the share for law enforcement agencies to cover their costs from 5% to 15% of remaining funds. These changes affect law enforcement agencies handling forfeiture cases and the state's chemical dependence treatment programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases Chemical Dependence Service Fund allocation from 15% to 40% of forfeiture funds, directly funding essential treatment programs through state budget reallocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases funding to chemical dependence treatment programs (40% from 15%), directly supporting rehabilitation efforts within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Chemical Dependence Service Fund allocation from 15% to 40% of forfeiture funds, directly boosting funding for substance abuse treatment (a healthcare program) per the fund's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 474: Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .18 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in their blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for snowmobile DUI, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per bill language, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 5263: Provides that coverage for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder shall not be subject to preauthorization

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover outpatient diagnosis and treatment for substance use disorder - including detoxification and rehabilitation - without preauthorization. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies. The law prohibits insurers from applying stricter financial limits or treatment restrictions to substance use disorder care than those used for standard medical or surgical services. This change aims to reduce administrative barriers for people seeking treatment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves administrative barriers to substance use treatment, advancing rehabilitation programs aligned with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves preauthorization barriers for substance use disorder treatment, ensuring equal coverage standards and improving patient access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Insurance Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 1093: 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, increasing criminal offenses without reform indicators.90% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7375: Relates to the New York state district attorney and indigent legal services attorney loan forgiveness program

Relates to the New York state district attorney and indigent legal services attorney loan forgiveness program; allows absence because of uniformed service, maternity/paternity, FMLA, or due to compensable injury to be creditable time.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill supports indigent defense access via loan forgiveness for attorneys, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting defendant rights and ensuring legal representation.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows uniformed service absence to count toward loan forgiveness, supporting veterans' employment in legal services90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7726: Relates to the issuance of securing orders

Relates to the issuance of securing orders; relates to release under non-monetary conditions; relates to electronic monitoring; requires a rehearing after five days in custody for certain principals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates rehearing after 5 days custody and non-monetary release conditions, reducing pretrial detention - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 156: Relates to awards made to crime victims

Increases the amount for awards made to crime victims; specifies certain items of personal property which are necessary and essential to the welfare of a claimant.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases crime victim compensation and specifies essential personal property needs, directly supporting victim welfare within criminal justice system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1488: Includes certain acts and subsequent penalties in the criminal sale of cannabis

This bill amends New York's penal law to clarify and strengthen penalties for illegal cannabis sales. It creates three criminal offenses based on quantity sold (e.g., selling over 3 ounces triggers a third-degree crime) and restricts sales to minors (e.g., selling to anyone under 21 is prohibited, with limited exceptions for caregivers). Businesses selling cannabis without a license face criminal charges and are barred from obtaining future cannabis permits. Additionally, commercial establishments violating these rules face escalating civil fines ($10,000-$50,000 per violation) payable to local counties. The changes take effect immediately.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeStrengthens penalties for illegal cannabis sales, expands criminalization without reform measures or reduced sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7347: Relates to the crime of criminal trespass in the third degree

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal trespass in the third degree if such person is in any portion of this state after entering the state at any location other than a lawful port of entry or border crossing.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by defining unauthorized entry as third-degree trespass, increasing potential prosecutions without reform elements.92% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill criminalizes entering the state outside of lawful ports of entry, directly increasing state immigration enforcement against individuals who may be immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Border Security

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