New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00971

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a child who is less than thirteen years old shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Summary

Bill S00971 amends the New York Penal Law to mandate life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, when the victim is a child under the age of thirteen. This legislation aims to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts against children face the most severe penalties available under the law, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the sentencing framework for serious crimes involving child victims in New York. By instituting a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for specific murder convictions involving children, it strengthens the legal repercussions for offenders and aims to deter future crimes against minors. This change may also impact the judicial process, as judges will have less discretion in sentencing for these particular cases.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00971 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for child protection and victims' rights. Discussions indicate a strong consensus on the need for harsher penalties for crimes against children, although there may be some concerns regarding the implications for judicial discretion and the overall effectiveness of mandatory sentencing laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the debate over mandatory sentencing laws, with some arguing that they eliminate judicial discretion and may not account for the nuances of individual cases. Critics may include legal experts and some advocacy groups who believe that a one-size-fits-all approach could lead to unjust outcomes. However, proponents argue that the severity of the crime warrants such strict measures, especially in cases involving children.

Companion Bills

NY A02013

Same As Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a child who is less than thirteen years old shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Previously Filed As

NY A02013

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a child who is less than thirteen years old shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

NY S00292

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a minor shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

NY A01578

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a minor shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

NY S09715

Clarifies that only persons eighteen years of age and older may be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

NY A833

"Judy and Nikki's Law"; provides for life imprisonment without parole for persons convicted of murder of a child 16 years of age or younger.

NY HB2521

Abolishes the death penalty and specifies that any person sentenced to death must be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole

NY HB2153

Abolishes the death penalty and specifies that any person sentenced to death must be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole

NY HB2623

Abolishes the death penalty and specifies that any person sentenced to death must be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole

NY A01658

Requires a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, and murder in the second degree.

NY HB2272

Providing that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025, and creating the crime of aggravated murder.

Similar Bills

US HB393

No Repeat Child Sex Offenders Act

GA SB592

"One Strike Act"; enact

CA AB2393

False imprisonment: false arrest: remedies.

MI HB4318

Labor: fair employment practices; penalty for wage and fringe benefit payment violations with the intent to defraud; increase. Amends sec. 15 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.485).

CA SB1220

Firearms: prohibited persons.

NJ S3681

Requires DOC to report certain information concerning halfway houses.

NJ A1771

Requires DOC to report certain information concerning halfway houses.

CA AB336

An act to amend Section 452 of the Penal Code, relating to wildfires.