Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11642: Prohibits unlawful seizure of ballots

This bill creates a new crime for taking possession of ballots that eligible voters have already marked and submitted through legal means. It specifically makes it a class E felony for anyone to seize, confiscate, remove, or otherwise take control of these valid ballots. The law includes exceptions for election officials working with proper approval and law enforcement officers acting under a valid court order. By defining these actions as a felony, the legislation aims to protect the integrity of the voting process from unauthorized interference.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a felony to protect ballot integrity and prevent unlawful seizure by unauthorized persons, enhancing election security and justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Law Enforcement Tags Elections

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signed · New York · Assembly May 26, 2026

A 11008: Relates to the effectiveness of certain county-tribal detention agreements between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida county and Madison county

This bill makes permanent two specific agreements between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida and Madison counties regarding the detention of adults remanded by the tribal court. By amending state law, the legislation ratifies and validates these contracts, which allow incarcerated individuals to be held in county correctional facilities under tribal jurisdiction. The measure ensures that the rights and responsibilities outlined in the deals remain fully enforceable for the parties involved. While the agreements were originally set to expire in 2027 and 2026 respectively, this action confirms their status and extends their validity through 2033.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill validates tribal-state detention agreements, enhancing tribal jurisdiction and legal clarity in corrections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10451: Relates to requiring boards of education to allow access to attorneys for certain children

Requires boards of education and school districts to allow children involved in an investigation or proceeding relating to abuse and/or neglect reasonable access to court appointed attorneys.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures children in abuse/neglect cases have access to legal counsel, protecting civil rights and enhancing fairness in judicial proceedings.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures legal access for children in abuse/neglect cases, protecting vulnerable students and enhancing educational access by safeguarding their rights.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 15, 2026

A 11383: Broadens the court's discretion to use extended terms of interim probation on consent of the defendant to avoid incarceratory outcomes

This bill allows courts to extend the time a defendant spends on interim probation, potentially up to three years total, to help avoid immediate jail time. It applies to individuals who have already been convicted and are eligible for probation but need more time to complete treatment programs or other court-ordered conditions. Under the new rules, a judge can grant these extensions if the prosecutor agrees and the defendant consents, provided the person remains actively involved in their assigned program. If the defendant successfully finishes the extended probation period, the time spent on supervision will count toward any final probation sentence. The legislation also requires that defendants receive written details of their conditions and that their compliance records be included in reports used for sentencing decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by reducing incarceration and encouraging rehabilitation through extended probation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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passed · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 9848: Relates to the contents of claims

This bill modifies the rules for filing lawsuits in the Court of Claims by removing the strict requirement for detailed specificity in certain sexual offense cases. It directly affects individuals seeking legal relief for injuries caused by sexual crimes against children or adults, as well as the parties being sued. Under the new provisions, plaintiffs alleging harm from specific sexual offenses or incest no longer need to provide the same level of detailed initial information as required in other types of claims. The changes apply immediately to new lawsuits, pending cases, and some previously dismissed cases that are currently being appealed.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes barriers to filing lawsuits for sexual offenses, facilitating justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 9756: Establishes the right to legal counsel in immigration court proceedings and provides for the administration thereof

This bill, known as the Access to Representation Act, would guarantee the right to legal counsel for certain low-income individuals facing immigration proceedings in New York. It directly affects non-citizens and citizens with disputed status who are detained or subject to removal, as well as those with a significant connection to the state. Under the proposed law, eligible individuals would receive ongoing legal representation from designated providers starting from their first court appearance or as soon as possible thereafter. The program would be administered by the New York State Office for New Americans, which would set income limits and oversee the delivery of legal services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill guarantees right to legal counsel in immigration court, enhancing due process and protecting civil rights for low-income individuals facing removal.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill guarantees right to legal counsel for immigrants, protecting immigrant rights and providing essential legal services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 10443: Broadens the court's discretion to use extended terms of interim probation on consent of the defendant to avoid incarceratory outcomes

This bill allows judges to extend the time a person on interim probation can stay out of jail for up to two additional years, provided the defendant agrees and is actively participating in a treatment or diversion program. It applies to individuals who have already been convicted of a crime and are eligible for probation but need more time to complete rehabilitation before a final sentence is decided. The law requires the court to consult with the prosecutor and ensures the defendant receives a written list of all supervision conditions they must follow. If the person successfully completes the extended probation period, the time spent on probation will count toward any future probation sentence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation and reduces incarceration by extending probation time for defendants in treatment programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11182: Relates to threats or harm to animals as a means of coercion or coercive control

This bill updates New York State laws to officially recognize threats or harm to animals as a form of coercive control used in domestic violence situations. It directly affects legal proceedings by requiring specialized training for mental health professionals and social workers who evaluate child custody cases involving domestic abuse. The training curriculum will include specific instruction on how abusers use animal cruelty to intimidate victims and manipulate family court outcomes. By integrating this definition into existing statutes, the legislation ensures that judges and evaluators better understand the full scope of abusive tactics when making custody decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by recognizing animal cruelty as coercive control, enhancing domestic violence laws and improving legal proceedings.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates specialized training for mental health professionals and social workers, directly strengthening mental health services and professional capacity in domestic violence cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 9973: Relates to the effectiveness of certain county-tribal detention agreements between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida county and Madison county

This bill legally validates two detention agreements between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida and Madison counties, ensuring that incarcerated adults remanded by the Nation's court can be held in county facilities. It ratifies the specific deals signed in May 2024 and confirms that these arrangements will remain in effect for three and two years, respectively. By explicitly approving these contracts, the legislation guarantees that all parties' rights and responsibilities under the agreements are fully enforceable. The measure also outlines when related sections of the correction law will expire, effectively setting a timeline for the duration of this special detention arrangement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill validates tribal-county detention agreements, ensuring legal clarity and continuity for incarcerated adults remanded by tribal courts, thereby supporting effective criminal justice administration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 11388: Provides additional protection to judges and their family members under the Judicial Security Act

Provides additional protection to judges and their family members under the Judicial Security Act; expands protection to domestic partners and adult children; relates to records to be kept private; relates to the continuation of the prohibition against the public disclosure of personal information; authorizes the chief administrator of the courts to develop procedures necessary to prevent the disclosure of personal information in the possession of the unified court system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens judicial security by expanding protections for judges and families, enhancing the safety of the justice system infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

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