New York Senate Bill S01350

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits police officers from using bias-based profiling; requires that a procedure be established for the taking and review of complaints against police officers for bias-based profiling; allows an action for injunctive relief and/or damages to be brought against a law enforcement agency, any agent of a law enforcement agency and the supervisor of an agent.

Summary

Bill S01350 aims to amend the executive law in New York to prohibit bias-based profiling by law enforcement agencies and officers. It defines bias-based profiling as the reliance on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, and socioeconomic status when making decisions about stops and searches. The bill mandates that every law enforcement agency adopt a written policy against bias-based profiling, which must be publicly available, and establishes procedures for reviewing complaints from individuals who believe they have been subjected to such profiling. Furthermore, it requires the collection and retention of detailed data regarding reportable encounters, including the demographics of individuals stopped and the nature of the encounters.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact state laws regarding law enforcement practices by instituting strict prohibitions against bias-based profiling. It requires law enforcement agencies to implement new policies and procedures for handling complaints and mandates the collection of data on stops and searches. This data will be used to monitor compliance and effectiveness in addressing bias-based profiling, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Additionally, the bill allows individuals to seek legal recourse against law enforcement agencies for violations, which could lead to increased scrutiny and potential changes in policing practices across the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S01350 appears to be supportive among advocates for civil rights and police reform, who view it as a necessary step toward addressing systemic issues of discrimination in law enforcement. However, there may be concerns from law enforcement agencies regarding the feasibility of implementing the required policies and the potential for increased litigation. The absence of voting history and committee discussions limits the ability to gauge broader legislative sentiment, but the bill's introduction suggests a commitment to reform.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from law enforcement associations and agencies that could argue the bill imposes excessive burdens on their operations and may hinder effective policing. Critics may express concerns about the potential for misinterpretation of the bill's provisions, leading to unintended consequences in law enforcement practices. On the other hand, civil rights advocates may argue that the bill does not go far enough in addressing systemic biases and ensuring accountability for law enforcement misconduct.