New York Senate Bill S01478

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Grants peace officer status to officers and members of the security force of Arnot Health, Inc.

Summary

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to grant peace officer status to officers and members of the security force employed by Arnot Health, Inc. The designation would apply to security personnel working at Arnot Health hospitals, medical office buildings, and clinical sites in Chemung County, and it would extend their geographic authority to public streets and sidewalks directly abutting those properties. The bill limits the powers of these peace officers to the specific authorities listed in Criminal Procedure Law section 2.20(1)(a) through (d), plus the power to detain a person for a reasonable period while waiting for law enforcement when the officer has actual knowledge or probable cause to believe an offense has been committed. It also makes clear that the bill does not authorize firearm possession unless the officer has the proper license under Penal Law section 400.00, and it would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new subdivision to Criminal Procedure Law section 2.10, creating a special peace officer classification for Arnot Health security personnel. This would expand their legal authority beyond ordinary private security, but only within the defined geographic area in Chemung County and only for the limited powers specified in law. The measure would affect Arnot Health, its security staff, patients, visitors, and nearby public areas adjacent to its facilities, while leaving broader police powers with local law enforcement.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or recorded support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears narrowly tailored and administrative in nature, suggesting it is intended to address security needs at a specific health system rather than to make a broad statewide policy change. The caption and structure indicate a targeted local-interest bill with a limited operational purpose.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the grant of peace officer authority to a private health system’s security force, which may raise concerns about accountability, training, and the appropriate scope of quasi-law-enforcement powers. Another possible issue is the extension of authority onto public streets and sidewalks abutting Arnot Health property, which could be viewed as expanding private security presence into public space. Supporters would likely emphasize hospital safety and the need for faster response to incidents, while critics may question whether such powers should remain solely with public law enforcement.