New York Assembly Bill A03844

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the imposition of securing orders for offenses committed on a peace officer, police officer, firefighter, emergency medical services professional or uniformed worker by individuals without permanent residency status; provides such individuals shall be remanded to the custody of the sheriff for the entirety of the judicial proceedings related thereto.

Summary

Bill A03844 seeks to amend the criminal procedure law in New York by introducing a new provision that mandates securing orders for individuals charged with certain crimes involving peace officers or other uniformed workers, provided these individuals are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Specifically, if such individuals are charged with crimes defined in title H or part one of the penal law, they shall be remanded to the custody of the sheriff until the completion of all related judicial proceedings. This provision aims to ensure that non-citizens charged with serious offenses are held in custody throughout the judicial process, thereby addressing concerns about flight risk and public safety.

Impact

The bill will significantly alter the handling of criminal cases involving non-citizens charged with specific offenses against uniformed workers. By imposing a securing order that mandates custody until the conclusion of judicial proceedings, it reinforces the legal framework surrounding the treatment of non-citizens in the criminal justice system. This could lead to increased detention rates for non-citizens and may also raise questions about the implications for due process and the rights of individuals who are not permanent residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03844 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that it enhances public safety and accountability for crimes against uniformed personnel. However, there are concerns from civil rights advocates who fear that the bill could lead to disproportionate impacts on immigrant communities and may violate principles of justice and fairness in the legal system. The lack of voting history or committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge broader legislative sentiment.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for the bill to disproportionately affect non-citizens and the implications for civil liberties. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary for public safety, while opponents raise concerns about the fairness of detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status, particularly in relation to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This division highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and criminal justice reform.