New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04931

Introduced
2/14/25  

Caption

Grants peace officer status to the reserve deputies of the Erie county sheriff's office.

Summary

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to add persons employed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office as reserve deputies to the list of peace officers. By placing these reserve deputies within the statutory definition of peace officer, the bill would extend to them the legal status and authority that comes with that designation under state law. The bill also includes an express limitation on firearms: it states that nothing in the new subdivision authorizes a reserve deputy to carry, possess, repair, or dispose of a firearm unless the person has the appropriate license under Penal Law section 400.00. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly amend Criminal Procedure Law section 2.10 by creating a new category of peace officer for Erie County sheriff’s office reserve deputies. That change would affect the powers, duties, and legal protections associated with peace officer status for those personnel, while leaving firearm licensing requirements intact and unchanged. The bill is narrowly targeted to one county office and does not broadly alter statewide law enforcement classifications beyond this addition.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented debate or roll-call history to gauge legislative sentiment. Based on the text alone, the bill appears administrative and localized, aimed at formalizing the status of a specific group of county law enforcement personnel rather than advancing a controversial policy change.

Contention

The main issue that could draw attention is the expansion of peace officer status to reserve deputies in Erie County, since such designations can affect law enforcement authority, liability, training expectations, and public oversight. The bill anticipates one possible concern by explicitly preserving existing firearm licensing rules, signaling that the new status should not be read as a blanket authorization to carry firearms. No specific opponents or supporters are identified in the provided materials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A01327

Grants peace officer status to the reserve deputies of the Erie county sheriff's office.

NY S10106

Grants peace officer status to uniformed court officers of the village of Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County.

NY A10029

Grants peace officer status to uniformed court officers of the village of Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County.

NY S08324

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

NY A09326

Grants uniformed court officers in the village of Sag Harbor in Suffolk county peace officer status.

NY HB3846

Relating to peace officers, including reserve peace officers, and the employment activities of those officers.

NY A03988

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

NY A11459

Grants peace officer status to parking and code enforcement officers of the city of Yonkers

NY S09109

Grants peace officer status to persons employed by the town of Southold serving on Fishers Island as public safety officers.

NY S07327

Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital; provides such peace officers are not authorized to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.