Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5023: Relates to criminal mischief in the third degree and criminal mischief in the second degree

This bill amends New York's penal law to adjust thresholds for criminal mischief charges. It raises the property damage amount required for third-degree criminal mischief (from $250 to $1,000) and adds a repeat-offender provision: damaging a locked vehicle with intent to steal becomes a felony if the person has three prior convictions for lower-level mischief offenses. For second-degree mischief, it increases the damage threshold from $1,000 to $3,500 to qualify as a felony. These changes directly affect individuals who damage property under these specific financial or repeat-offense conditions. The bill was referred to the Codes committee on February 18, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRaises property damage thresholds for felony charges (from $250→$1k, $1k→$3.5k), reducing felony prosecutions for minor mischief and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to limit over-criminalization.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5304: Relates to investigation of incidents of bodily injury or harm to incarcerated individuals

Requires DOCCS' office of special investigations to send a representative of such office in-person to confirm any reported incident of bodily injury or harm to an incarcerated individual no later than 5 days after receiving such report.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates timely in-person investigation of inmate injuries, enhancing oversight in corrections to protect incarcerated individuals' rights and ensure accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2651: Specifying conditions for the issuance of optional mobile or digital alternatives to driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards

Specifies conditions for the issuance of optional mobile or digital alternatives to driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards; prohibits law enforcement from seeking consent for phone searches during identity verifications using mobile or digital alternatives to driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from seeking consent for phone searches during digital ID verification, protecting civil rights during traffic stops and reducing unwarranted police intrusion.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits law enforcement from seeking consent for phone searches during digital ID verification, enhancing data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2233: Provides for the temporary surrender of firearms where an individual may be a danger to themself or others

Provides for the temporary surrender of firearms to the police by any person who is taken into custody by the police for the purpose of a mental examination and prior to an examination ordered pursuant to article seven hundred thirty of the criminal procedure law; requires a "cooling off period" following the discharge from psychiatric care during which time firearms, which came into police custody during the person's pre-hospitalization intervention or during hospitalization, may be kept in police custody for thirty days, or after a psychiatric examiner has determined whether the person is a threat to themself or others; provides that a judge of the local jurisdiction may order an early return of the firearms if such judge determines that it would be appropriate to do so.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates temporary firearm surrender during mental health crises to prevent harm, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Judges Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4500: Relates to creating a contraband and drug information hotline

This bill creates a statewide, toll-free hotline for reporting contraband and drugs in New York's state correctional facilities. It defines "contraband" to include weapons, dangerous instruments, and controlled substances (as specified in the Penal Law). The hotline will operate 24/7, accepting anonymous calls from anyone - including incarcerated people, visitors, or staff - reporting incidents involving contraband. The commissioner must establish rules to implement this system, directly affecting facility safety operations and reporting procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates anonymous hotline for reporting contraband/drugs in prisons, enhancing correctional facility safety and reducing recidivism risks through improved oversight.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 21, 2025

S 1033: Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; establishes the biometric surveillance regulation task force; and provides for the expiration and repeal of certain provisions

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; establishes the biometric surveillance regulation task force; provides for the expiration and repeal of certain provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement biometric surveillance, protecting civil rights and advancing reform by limiting invasive tech use in criminal justice oversight.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits biometric surveillance by law enforcement, directly protecting data privacy and digital rights, aligning with support indicators for the Technology topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4663: Allows courts to consider the risk of continued substance abuse

Allows courts to consider the risk of continued substance abuse and likelihood of serious harm to the principal when considering committing such principal to the custody of the sheriff.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows courts to consider substance abuse risk in custody decisions, promoting rehabilitation-focused sentencing over incarceration for substance-related issues.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 11, 2026

S 1050: Relates to allowing telephone calls prior to an incarcerated individual's transfer

This bill requires New York's Department of Corrections to allow incarcerated individuals to make at least one free phone call to family or a chosen contact immediately before being transferred to a new facility, and another within 24 hours of arrival at the new facility. It applies directly to incarcerated people and their families or designated representatives. Exceptions only apply when making a call would create an unacceptable risk to safety or security, and the department must document such denials in writing. The law aims to maintain family connections during transfers while prioritizing facility safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows family communication during transfers, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8054: Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals who are a part of a sexual orientation and/or gender minority

This bill requires all police and peace officers in New York to complete mandatory training on interacting with LGBTQ+ individuals. It mandates that training programs - developed with input from LGBTQ+ officers and community members - cover topics like terminology, historical context, creating inclusive workplaces, and responding to hate crimes or domestic violence involving LGBTQ+ people. The training must address the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, including how these relate to race, culture, and religion. The law takes effect April 1, 2026, and requires the municipal police training council to implement necessary rule changes by then.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates police training on LGBTQ+ interactions to promote inclusive practices, protect civil rights, and enhance law enforcement accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5218: Relates to concealment and/or mutilation of a human corpse

This bill criminalizes hiding, damaging, or destroying a human body or body part when someone expects it might be used as evidence in a legal case, such as a criminal investigation or autopsy. It specifically defines this as a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. The law explicitly excludes funeral directors, embalmers, and organ donation activities from this rule, as these are covered under existing public health laws. The bill also adds this offense to lists of crimes affecting bail decisions, but its core purpose is to protect evidence integrity in legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCriminalizes evidence tampering to protect legal investigations, strengthening law enforcement's ability to prosecute cases while excluding legitimate funeral/medical practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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