New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08108

Introduced
4/30/25  

Caption

Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

Impact

This act is significant as it alters the executive law to establish a formalized structure for reviewing cases of civil rights violations linked to unsolved murders. The bill provides an appropriated budget of two million dollars annually to facilitate investigations and manage expenses associated with these cases. A yearly report by the Attorney General detailing the progress and findings of the investigations will be required, promoting transparency and ongoing oversight of the civil rights enforcement function.

Summary

Bill A08108, known as the "Malcolm X Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2025," seeks to address and investigate unsolved civil rights murders that occurred in the state of New York prior to December 31, 1979. The bill mandates that the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Bureau will take responsibility for these investigations, emphasizing timely and thorough processing due to the age of potential witnesses and the time elapsed since the crimes. The act aims at ensuring justice for historical civil rights violations, which have often remained unanswered.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to address past injustices, it may also raise concerns about resource allocation and priorities in the current justice system. Some critics may worry about diverting funds from other pressing law enforcement needs or fear that the resources allocated may not lead to substantial results if the evidence in many of these cases is minimal or decades old. However, supporters view this initiative as crucial for rectifying historical wrongs, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the justice system.

Companion Bills

NY S01990

Same As Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

Previously Filed As

NY A02665

Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

NY S05035

Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

NY A10357

Makes amendments to the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York regarding definition of certain terms and enforcement provisions; specifies certain deceptive and fraudulent acts; relates to notification of violations; relates to preclearance of policies by the civil rights bureau or by a designated court; requires notification to the civil rights bureau of actions involving voting rights.

NY S09687

Makes amendments to the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York regarding definition of certain terms and enforcement provisions; specifies certain deceptive and fraudulent acts; relates to notification of violations; relates to preclearance of policies by the civil rights bureau or by a designated court; requires notification to the civil rights bureau of actions involving voting rights.

NY A03794

Enacts the New York civil rights cold case records collection act; directs the state archivist to create a civil rights cold case records collection; creates the civil rights cold case records review board which shall assist the archivist in the collection of civil rights cold case records.

NY S05034

Enacts the New York civil rights cold case records collection act; directs the state archivist to create a civil rights cold case records collection; creates the civil rights cold case records review board which shall assist the archivist in the collection of civil rights cold case records.

NY S04427

Mandates the disclosure of discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault settlements to the civil rights bureau of the attorney general's office.

NY A06386

Mandates the disclosure of discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault settlements to the civil rights bureau of the attorney general's office.

NY A01493

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

NY S02721

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

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