Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3465: Relates to establishing the crime of domestic violence

This bill establishes "domestic violence" as a specific class A misdemeanor offense under New York law. It applies when someone commits certain defined misdemeanors (like assault, menacing, or harassment) against a person with whom they have a close relationship, including current/former spouses, parents/guardians, co-parents, or cohabitants. The law specifies exactly which misdemeanor offenses qualify and defines the required relationships between the defendant and victim. It creates a new legal category for these cases, making them punishable as the most serious type of misdemeanor. The bill is currently referred to the Codes committee for further review.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specific legal category for domestic violence offenses, enhancing victim protection and consistent prosecution under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4958: Provides for the creation and maintenance of digital records for each incarcerated individual

Provides for the creation and maintenance of digital records for each incarcerated individual which includes all medical records, including but not limited to mental health records and results of drug or alcohol tests, work records and evaluations, conduct records and programming records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncludes mental health and medical records to support rehabilitation programs, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6563: Relates to notification of crime victims of the death of the accused

Requires the notification of a crime victim or witness of the death of the accused if such person dies during pending judicial proceedings or during any period of incarceration, parole or post-release supervision, or when an order of protection exists.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates victim notification upon accused's death during proceedings, protecting victim rights and advancing victim-centered criminal justice policies within court processes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6812: Enacts "Destini Smothers' law"; requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies in missing persons investigations and provides support for relatives of such missing persons

Enacts "Destini Smothers' law"; requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies in missing persons investigations; provides support for relatives of such missing persons.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement collaboration in missing persons cases, enhancing investigative effectiveness and family support within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5199: Establishes the "New York municipal asset forfeiture accountability act"

Establishes the "New York municipal asset forfeiture accountability act" which requires that all funds lawfully seized by a county sheriff or other municipal police agency shall go to such municipalities' general fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires seized funds to general fund, reducing police incentive for asset forfeiture abuse, enhancing accountability in law enforcement practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2667: Establishes an independent inspector general in each county for police oversight purposes

Bill A 2667 establishes an independent inspector general in every county to oversee police departments and investigate misconduct allegations. Each county legislative body must appoint this official, who will investigate police operations, review policies, and make recommendations to improve effectiveness, public safety, and civil rights protection. The inspector general must report annual findings to the county legislature and district attorney. This law directly affects all county police departments by creating a new, independent oversight role focused on accountability and transparency.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates independent police oversight to investigate misconduct and protect civil rights, directly advancing accountability reforms in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8310: Enacts the "forensic rehabilitation act"; repealer

Enacts the "forensic rehabilitation act" relating to the custody of individuals following a verdict or plea of not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnacts forensic rehabilitation program for mentally ill defendants, promoting treatment over incarceration per 'forensic rehabilitation act' title and custody focus.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8230: Provides for access to legal counsel when a correctional facility has suspended visiting privileges

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish procedures to allow an incarcerated individual in a correctional facility which has suspended visiting privileges to have private meetings with their legal counsel.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures incarcerated individuals can meet with legal counsel privately during suspended visiting privileges, protecting defendant rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5497: Establishes certified recovery residences for individuals recovering from substance use disorder

This bill establishes certified recovery residences - supportive housing for 4-14 people recovering from substance use disorder - with state aid covering up to 50% of construction or operating costs. It requires providers to seek municipal approval for facility locations, giving local governments 40 days to review sites, suggest alternatives, or object based on neighborhood impact. If disputes arise, the state commissioner resolves them within 15 days, considering existing facility density and community character. The bill directly affects individuals in recovery, providers operating these residences, and local governments managing site approvals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds (up to 50% of costs) for certified recovery residences, directly funding essential health services through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds recovery residences to reduce recidivism through substance use treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides state funding (50% cost coverage) for certified recovery residences, a healthcare service addressing substance use disorder treatment access and support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds certified recovery residences with state aid covering 50% costs, advancing supportive housing for vulnerable populations through direct financial support and development facilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Homelessness Zoning

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 3778: Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year

Establishes the chief administrator of the courts shall submit annually a report on the administration, function and effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court Program during the preceding year.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires annual evaluation of Drug Treatment Court Program's effectiveness, promoting rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

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