Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3359: Relates to the crime of computer tampering in the third degree

Adds that a person is guilty of computer tampering in the third degree when they intentionally enter or alter in any manner or destroy computer material indicating that a person did or did not receive a vaccination that is reported to the New York state immunization information system or the New York city immunization registry.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new offense for tampering with vaccination data, increasing legal penalties without reform elements.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes tampering with vaccination data systems, enhancing cybersecurity and data integrity protections for health information.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 18, 2026

A 8943: Prohibits state and federal law enforcement acting within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in certain circumstances

Prohibits state and federal law enforcement operating within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in limited circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits face concealment by officers, enhancing accountability and transparency in law enforcement, aligning with reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 8371: Relates to the release of student education records to juvenile detention facilities

Relates to the release of student education records to juvenile detention facilities; provides that where a student has been directed to be held in a juvenile detention facility pursuant to a court order, the educational agency where such student attends school at the time of such direction shall, upon request of the juvenile detention facility where such student is held, disclose such educational records to educational program personnel at such facility without consent of the parent or eligible student under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables educational records access for juvenile detention facilities, supporting rehabilitation programs within corrections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 193: Provides for money upon release for certain incarcerated individuals; appropriation

This bill establishes a "Gate Money Program" providing eligible individuals released from New York State correctional facilities with monthly cash payments. Specifically, those who served at least six months in state prison and haven't received prior payments get $425 per month for up to six months (capped at $2,550 total), adjusted annually for inflation. Payments are made immediately upon release (cash/check) and then monthly by community supervision agencies, with funds not counting toward public assistance eligibility. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation into a dedicated "gate money fund" and excludes individuals released to other states or federal custody.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates state funds ($2,550 max per individual) for post-incarceration support, directly funding a social program through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides post-release financial support to reduce recidivism and aid rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 541: Authorizes imposition of life imprisonment without parole sentence for persistent violent felony offenders; repealer

Authorizes imposition of life imprisonment without parole sentence for persistent violent felony offenders upon conviction of a violent felony offense when such person has previously been subjected to two or more predicate violent felony convictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAuthorizes mandatory life without parole for repeat violent offenders, increasing sentencing severity and opposing reform efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1403: Enacts "Cariol's Law"

Enacts "Cariol's Law"; provides for a duty to intervene when a police officer or peace officer observes another police officer or peace officer using physical force that such officer reasonably believes to be clearly excessive or beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates officer intervention in excessive force cases, enhancing police accountability per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8460: Includes flare guns in criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree

This bill updates New York's criminal law to include flare guns in the offense of "criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree." It directly affects individuals who possess a flare gun with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person. The key provision expands the definition of prohibited weapons to specifically cover flare guns - regardless of their intended use (maritime, emergency, or recreational) - by adding them to the list of items that trigger this charge. This change makes possessing a flare gun with unlawful intent a specific criminal offense under existing law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding flare guns to prohibited weapons list, increasing potential charges for possession regardless of intended use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 684: Relates to commission of murder in the first degree; provides that sentence for commission of certain provisions of murder in the first degree is death or life without parole

Includes intentionally selecting a victim based on certain actual or perceived traits in the crime of murder in the first degree; provides that sentence for commission of certain provisions of murder in the first degree is death or life without parole.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates death or life without parole for targeted murder, increasing mandatory sentences and opposing criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5249: Prohibits members of the state police, police officers, and peace officers from intentionally covering their badges

This bill requires state police, police officers, and peace officers to visibly display their badges while on duty, prohibiting intentional covering that obscures identification. It imposes a $500 fine per violation for state police (enforced by the State Police division) and for other officers (enforced by the Division of Criminal Justice Services). Citizens can report violations via a public hotline, which officers must post on their agency's website. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires visible badge display for police accountability, enabling public reporting of violations. Aligns with enhancing law enforcement transparency and oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1604: Provides for immediate notification to a complainant of the service of an ex parte order of protection

This bill requires courts to immediately notify complainants when an ex parte order of protection is served on the person against whom the complaint was filed. Complainants must specify their preferred notification method (mail, phone, email, or other electronic means) to the court clerk, and courts must inform them of this option. Once police or court staff serve the order, they must immediately inform the court clerk, who then notifies the complainant in their chosen manner without delay. The law directly affects individuals seeking protection orders in domestic violence or similar cases, ensuring they receive timely updates about the service of the order.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures complainants receive immediate notification of protection orders, enhancing victim rights and procedural transparency in criminal justice proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Policing Victims' Rights

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