New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07176

Introduced
4/3/25  
Refer
4/3/25  

Caption

Requires justices of the supreme court, judges of the county court and judges of the court of claims, regularly sitting in a criminal term or in a term with criminal as well as civil jurisdiction to visit the correctional facility with the highest population of incarcerated individuals in the county in which such justice is appointed or elected within two years of such appointment or election and every two years thereafter; requires a report on the conditions of such correctional facility.

Summary

Bill S07176 mandates that justices of the supreme court, judges of the county court, and judges of the court of claims in New York must visit the correctional facility with the highest population of incarcerated individuals in their respective counties. This visit must occur within two years of their appointment or election and every two years thereafter. Following each visit, judges are required to prepare and submit a report detailing the conditions of the facility, including the welfare of incarcerated individuals, healthcare services, sanitary conditions, and any disciplinary actions taken against staff or inmates.

Impact

The bill will amend the judiciary law by introducing a new requirement for judges and justices, thereby increasing their accountability and awareness of the conditions within correctional facilities. This could lead to potential reforms in the correctional system based on the findings reported by judges, impacting state laws regarding incarceration and the treatment of inmates.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears to be generally supportive, with discussions highlighting the importance of judicial oversight in correctional facilities. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of such visits and the additional responsibilities placed on judges, which could lead to debates in future committee discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the logistics of the visitation requirements, including the time commitment for judges and the potential impact on their judicial duties. Some stakeholders may argue that this could detract from their primary responsibilities, while others may emphasize the necessity of firsthand knowledge of correctional conditions to inform judicial decisions.

Companion Bills

NY A03089

Same As Requires justices of the supreme court, judges of the county court and judges of the court of claims, regularly sitting in a criminal term or in a term with criminal as well as civil jurisdiction to visit the correctional facility with the highest population of incarcerated individuals in the county in which such justice is appointed or elected within two years of such appointment or election and every two years thereafter; requires a report on the conditions of such correctional facility.

Previously Filed As

NY A02539

Requires justices of the supreme court, judges of the county court and judges of the court of claims, regularly sitting in a criminal term or in a term with criminal as well as civil jurisdiction to visit the correctional facility with the highest population of incarcerated individuals in the county in which he or she is appointed or elected within two years of such appointment or election and every two years thereafter; requires a report on the conditions of such correctional facility.

NY A03089

Requires justices of the supreme court, judges of the county court and judges of the court of claims, regularly sitting in a criminal term or in a term with criminal as well as civil jurisdiction to visit the correctional facility with the highest population of incarcerated individuals in the county in which such justice is appointed or elected within two years of such appointment or election and every two years thereafter; requires a report on the conditions of such correctional facility.

NY A07952

Requires judges or justices in a court that exercises criminal jurisdiction, including town and village justices, family court judges, and justices of the supreme court who regularly handle matrimonial matters, and court clerks of such courts to attend a program approved by the chief administrator of the courts addressing issues relating to domestic violence totaling at least ten hours every two years; requires law enforcement officers to complete ten hours of domestic violence training every two years.

NY SB284

Courts; to further provide for the election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts

NY SB283

Elections, provide for election of associate justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts, constitutional amendment

NY S00492

Requires judges or justices in a court that exercises criminal jurisdiction, including town and village justices, family court judges, and justices of the supreme court who regularly handle matrimonial matters, and court clerks of such courts to attend a program approved by the chief administrator of the courts addressing issues relating to domestic violence totaling at least ten hours every two years; requires law enforcement officers to complete ten hours of domestic violence training every two years.

NY HB3104

Relating to the appointment and compensation of a bailiff appointed by the judges of certain district courts in Webb County.

NY SB1222

Relating to the appointment of a former or retired justice of an appellate court as a visiting judge of a statutory probate court.

NY HB307

Courts, appointment, support, and powers of visiting judges provided for

NY SB178

Courts, appointment, support, and powers of visiting judges provided for

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.