Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5092: Relates to controlled substances and indeterminate sentences; to the expansion of merit time; repealer

Relates to controlled substances and indeterminate sentences; relates to the expansion of merit time; repeals provisions relating to the allowance of limited credit time for incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands merit time and repeals limited credit time provisions, enabling inmates to earn more sentence reduction through good behavior, aligning with rehabilitation-focused reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5707: Includes certain charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree as a qualifying offense for consideration of an order of recognizance, release under non-monetary conditions or bail

Includes certain charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree as a qualifying offense for consideration of an order of recognizance, release under non-monetary conditions or bail.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands non-monetary release options for certain weapon charges, reducing cash bail reliance and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to decrease pretrial detention.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4062: Provides standards for correctional facilities in relation to medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders

Provides standards for correctional facilities in relation to medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders and the testing for opioid use when an individual is first incarcerated.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes MAT standards in prisons, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform elements.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes healthcare standards for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorders in correctional facilities, directly improving access to evidence-based healthcare services for a vulnerable population.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2357: Release of persons charged with certain crimes involving possession of a firearm on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions, bail or custody of the sheriff

Authorizes the court the discretion to release persons charged with certain crimes involving possession of a firearm on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions, fix bail, or commit the person to the custody of the sheriff.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows courts discretion to release firearm possession defendants without bail, reducing pretrial detention - a key criminal justice reform measure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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failed · New York · Senate Aug 13, 2025

S 1648: Authorizes bail for principals charged with aggravated cruelty to animals

This bill (S 1648) would have amended New York's criminal procedure law to allow bail for defendants charged with "aggravated cruelty to animals" under Agriculture and Markets Law § 353-a. It specifically added this offense to existing bail eligibility provisions that previously included firearm-related crimes (like third-degree weapons possession). The bill was defeated in the Codes committee on May 5, 2025, and did not become law. It directly affected individuals charged with severe animal cruelty offenses by changing their bail eligibility under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands bail access for non-violent animal cruelty charges, reducing pretrial detention and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3137: Relates to criminal possession of stolen property

Authorizes the court where there is criminal possession of stolen property to, in its discretion release the principal pending trial on the principal's own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions, fix bail, or order non-monetary conditions in conjunction with fixing bail, or, where the defendant is charged with a qualifying offense which is a felony, the court may commit the principal to the custody of the sheriff; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes courts to release defendants on non-monetary conditions, aligning with pretrial reform efforts to reduce unnecessary detention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4228: Establishes a contraband screening plan which includes a canine at the entrance of each correctional facility

Establishes a contraband screening plan which includes a canine at the entrance of each correctional facility to detect the presence of illegal drugs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances correctional facility safety via drug screening, reducing contraband-related issues that hinder rehabilitation and increase recidivism, aligning with reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1437: Enacts the "criminal forfeiture process act"; repealer

This bill replaces New York's existing criminal forfeiture process with a new "Criminal Forfeiture Process Act." It applies specifically to property seized in connection with certain felony drug offenses, prostitution, driving under the influence, or property seized during hot pursuit of a felony suspect. Key changes include requiring courts to hold prompt hearings after seizure, mandating notice to all known property owners (including "innocent owners" who didn't know their property was used in crime), and making forfeiture proceedings part of the criminal trial rather than a separate civil case. The law also clarifies that contraband or stolen property must be disposed of or returned per state law, and prohibits civil forfeiture.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces forfeiture process with safeguards: prompt hearings and notice to owners, protecting civil rights in criminal cases per bill's notice/mandate requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5917: Makes any offense involving the use or possession of a firearm, shotgun or rifle bail eligible

This bill (S 5917) changes New York law to make **all misdemeanor and felony charges involving the use or possession of a firearm, shotgun, or rifle eligible for bail**. It directly affects defendants charged with these firearm-related offenses who would previously have been held without bail. The key provision adds a new category to existing bail rules, requiring prosecutors to show reasonable cause for the charge but allowing courts to generally permit release on bail. This expands bail eligibility beyond prior restrictions that limited it to specific firearm crimes or cases involving harm to people or property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands bail eligibility for firearm charges, reducing pretrial detention and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to protect defendant rights and reduce unnecessary incarceration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4565: Creates the office of expungement and automatic sealing

Creates the office of expungement and automatic sealing within the division of criminal justice services to oversee the sealing and expungement of certain convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates office for expungement/sealing of convictions, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing barriers for individuals with past records and aligning with recidivism reduction and civil rights protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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