New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07865

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

Prohibits participation in torture of incarcerated individuals by health professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture.

Impact

The bill significantly amends several existing laws, including the public health law and labor law, adding stringent requirements for health professionals working in detention facilities. Under this bill, professionals are required to report any instances of torture they witness or suspect, and facilities must adopt rules to protect those making reports from retaliation. This legislative change is expected to enhance the accountability of health professionals in maintaining ethical standards and is designed to foster a culture of transparency and safety within detention settings.

Summary

Bill S07865, known as the 'End Health Professionals' Complicity in Torture of Detained or Incarcerated Individuals Act of 2025', seeks to prohibit health professionals from engaging in or contributing to acts of torture against incarcerated individuals. This legislation asserts that all health professionals have a moral and legal obligation to prevent and report instances of torture, ensuring the humane treatment of those detained or incarcerated. It particularly emphasizes creating an environment where individuals can safely report violations, while mandating thorough documentation and investigation of such allegations by designated authorities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S07865 include concerns from various stakeholders about its practical implications. Supporters argue that it upholds the dignity and rights of incarcerated individuals, while opponents may voice apprehension regarding how broad definitions of 'torture' and 'participation' may impact the responsibilities and duties of health professionals. There is also a fear that the rigorous reporting requirements could lead to underreporting of incidents or deter health professionals from working in high-stress environments such as correctional facilities.

Companion Bills

NY A08286

Same As Prohibits participation in torture of incarcerated individuals by health professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture.

Previously Filed As

NY S03228

Prohibits participation in torture and improper treatment of incarcerated individuals by health care professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture or improper treatment of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture and improper treatment.

NY A04863

Prohibits participation in torture and improper treatment of incarcerated individuals by health care professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture or improper treatment of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture and improper treatment.

NY A02335

Relates to prohibiting colleges from denying formerly incarcerated individuals admittance to college based solely on their incarceration.

NY S07978

Relates to prohibiting colleges from denying formerly incarcerated individuals admittance to college based solely on their incarceration.

NY S04295

Requires a mental health medical professional to examine incarcerated individuals in solitary confinement when such incarcerated individual is in such confinement for a period in excess of twenty-four hours.

NY A02284

Enacts the health care professional transparency act; prohibits health care professionals from using deceptive or misleading advertising.

NY S07131

Requires the conditional release of pregnant and postpartum individuals from incarceration; prohibits the incarceration of pregnant and postpartum individuals.

NY A07585

Requires the conditional release of pregnant and postpartum individuals from incarceration; prohibits the incarceration of pregnant and postpartum individuals.

NY S03103

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.

NY A06058

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.

Similar Bills

NY A08286

Prohibits participation in torture of incarcerated individuals by health professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture.

CA SB337

Prisons.

MA H3619

Prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners

MA H2386

Prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners

NY A08871

Enacts into law components of legislation necessary to implement an omnibus bill related to correctional services in the state of New York; requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of incarcerated individuals to the attorney general's office of special investigations (Part A); requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the camera coverage of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such camera recordings (Part B); provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next of kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody (Part C); directs the state commission of correction to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies (Part D); establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy (Part E); relates to conflicts within the office of special investigation; provides that if the office of the attorney general has a conflict representing state employees in civil litigation, the attorney general may designate a deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general to act in their place; requires the attorney general to establish procedures to screen off certain records (part F); requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to collect and report on data from the office of special investigations regarding complaints received by such office in the previous quarter (Part G); increases the number of members on the state commission of correction; provides for the manner of confirmation of such members (Part H); relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time with 24 hours advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities (Part I); relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody (Part J).

NY S08415

Enacts into law components of legislation necessary to implement an omnibus bill related to correctional services in the state of New York; requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of incarcerated individuals to the attorney general's office of special investigations (Part A); requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the camera coverage of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such camera recordings (Part B); provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next of kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody (Part C); directs the state commission of correction to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies (Part D); establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy (Part E); relates to conflicts within the office of special investigation; provides that if the office of the attorney general has a conflict representing state employees in civil litigation, the attorney general may designate a deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general to act in their place; requires the attorney general to establish procedures to screen off certain records (part F); requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to collect and report on data from the office of special investigations regarding complaints received by such office in the previous quarter (Part G); increases the number of members on the state commission of correction; provides for the manner of confirmation of such members (Part H); relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time with 24 hours advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities (Part I); relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody (Part J).

NH SB230

Relative to the practice of body art.

CT SB01059

An Act Concerning The Office Of The Correction Ombuds, The Use Of Isolated Confinement, Seclusion And Restraints, Social Contacts For Incarcerated Persons And Training And Workers' Compensation Benefits For Correction.