Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7371: Relates to civil rights remedies restoration

This bill allows individuals to sue the state directly for violations of specific federal civil rights laws, such as the ADA, Title IX, and the Civil Rights Act. It waives the state's sovereign immunity (meaning the state can be sued) for these violations and sets a minimum $4,000 damage award for each offense, covering both monetary losses and non-monetary harms like emotional distress. The law applies to state programs receiving federal funding and permits claims in any competent court, without limiting existing state law remedies. It directly affects people whose civil rights were allegedly violated by state actions under the covered federal laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables lawsuits against state for civil rights violations (ADA, Title IX), enhancing accountability and protecting rights in state programs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1039: Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a radio frequency jamming device

This bill creates a new class D felony offense for knowingly possessing a device that disrupts wireless communications (like cell signals or GPS) without legal authorization. It directly affects individuals who own or carry such jamming devices, including those used to interfere with emergency services or commercial networks. The law prohibits possession of any device capable of emitting radio noise or signals that interfere with wireless communications. Violators face criminal penalties under state law, with the offense defined as unlawful possession without a right to do so.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony for jamming devices, expanding criminalization without reform focus or oversight improvements.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes unauthorized jamming of wireless networks, directly enhancing cybersecurity by preventing interference with critical communications infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5393: Relates to offenses committed while in or upon a building, facility, property, vehicle or train owned, leased or operated by the metropolitan transportation authority

Relates to sexual abuse in the first degree where a person is incapable of consent while a passenger on public transportation and the contact was intentional and with the sole purpose of sexual gratification; relates to public lewdness while a passenger on public transportation; establishes enhanced penalties for offenses committed while in or upon a building, facility, property, vehicle or train owned, leased or operated by the metropolitan transportation authority; provides for the suspension or revocation of the use of a building, facility, property, vehicle or train owned, leased or operated by the metropolitan transportation authority.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill establishes enhanced penalties for sexual abuse and public lewdness on public transportation, expanding criminalization and increasing punitive measures without reform indicators.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3158: Requires the court to require a mental health evaluation when a person is convicted of certain crimes pertaining to animal fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals

Requires the court to require a mental health evaluation when a person is convicted of certain crimes pertaining to animal fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals; requires the convicted person to assume the costs of any evaluation and continued therapy; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health evaluations for animal cruelty offenders, promoting rehabilitation over punishment and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health evaluations and therapy for convicted individuals, directly supporting mental health services through court-ordered assessments and treatment requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4210: Enacts "CJ's law" in relation to increasing the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such accident resulted in the death of a minor

Enacts "CJ's law" in relation to increasing the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such accident resulted in the death of a minor to a class C felony punishable by a fine of not less than four thousand nor more than eight thousand dollars in addition to any other penalties provided by law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for hit-and-run causing minor's death to class C felony, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher sentencing.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 937: Prohibits the use of aversive conditioning and other certain punishments

Prohibits the use of aversive conditioning which includes any procedure which causes obvious signs of physical pain, including but not limited to hitting, pinching and electric shock; prohibits the use of any procedure or punishment which denies a vulnerable person reasonable sleep, shelter, bedding, bathroom facilities and any other aspect expected of a humane existence; defines terms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits cruel corrections practices (aversive conditioning, denial of basic needs), aligning with humane treatment and civil rights in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 5, 2026

A 101: Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or other substance to a degree which rendered the victim temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling such person's conduct and such condition was known or reasonably should have been known to a person in the actor's situation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits victim intoxication defense in sex crimes, strengthening victim protections and accountability in criminal justice proceedings.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3475: Prohibits law enforcement officers from using bias-based profiling

Prohibits police officers from using bias-based profiling; requires that a procedure be established for the taking and review of complaints against police officers for bias-based profiling; allows an action for injunctive relief and/or damages to be brought against a law enforcement agency, any agent of a law enforcement agency and the supervisor of an agent.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits bias-based profiling and mandates complaint procedures, enhancing police accountability in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits bias-based profiling by police, directly protecting immigrants from discriminatory enforcement practices that often target immigrant communities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 14, 2026

A 9164: Establishes uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors applying for public housing

This bill establishes a uniform priority system for domestic violence survivors applying to public housing. It requires local housing authorities to give these applicants the same waiting list priority as other vulnerable groups (like the disabled, elderly, or homeless) if they either face ongoing domestic violence in their current home or have left due to abuse without stable replacement housing. The bill specifies that among applicants with equal priority status, selection will be based on application date and time. It references the existing legal definition of "victim of domestic violence" from social services law and applies immediately to all new applicants on waiting lists.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrioritizes housing for domestic violence survivors, supporting victim safety and access to justice within criminal justice reform framework.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes domestic violence survivors in public housing waiting lists, strengthening tenant protections and access to affordable housing for vulnerable groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate May 7, 2026

S 5084: Relates to establishing a process for neutral arbitrators to review certain disciplinary decisions and penalties imposed on members of the New York city police department

Establishes a process for neutral arbitrators to review certain disciplinary decisions and penalties imposed on members of the New York city police department.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes neutral arbitrators to review police disciplinary decisions, enhancing accountability and oversight in law enforcement per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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