New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08249

Introduced
5/27/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

This bill has the potential to significantly influence state laws governing the operations of correctional facilities and the handling of complaints within the system. By establishing a regular reporting requirement, S08249 is intended to provide insights into the grievances faced by incarcerated individuals and staff, thus aiming for improved oversight and potential policy changes. This could lead to enhanced fairness and operational standards in correctional facilities, aligning with broader efforts for judicial and correctional reform.

Summary

Bill S08249, introduced by Senator Cleare, mandates the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to collect and report data concerning complaints received by the office of special investigations. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system by requiring that this data is reported quarterly to key state leaders, including the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate, and the governor. The bill specifies the types of data to be collected, including the number of confirmed and unconfirmed complaints, the nature of these complaints, their origin, and the actions taken in response to them.

Contention

While the bill is poised to increase transparency, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of this reporting process and how effectively it will lead to tangible improvements in the correctional system. Some may argue that increased bureaucracy could dilute the responsiveness of the corrections system or that the data reported may not adequately address the complexities of the complaints. Myriad stakeholders, including advocacy groups focused on inmates' rights, could be divided on whether this bill will genuinely lead to reform or merely serve as a superficial measure.

Companion Bills

NY A08573

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

NY S06975

Authorizes the state inspector general to receive and investigate complaints of sexual assault in correctional facilities and other places operated by the department of corrections and community supervision for the confinement of persons; requires the state inspector general to establish protocol and procedures for such reports and investigations.

NY A08820

Authorizes the state inspector general to receive and investigate complaints of sexual assault in correctional facilities and other places operated by the department of corrections and community supervision for the confinement of persons; requires the state inspector general to establish protocol and procedures for such reports and investigations.

NY A04379

Creates the office of the correctional ombudsman to achieve transparency, fairness, impartiality and accountability in New York state correctional facilities; relates to reports by coroners; designates investigators of the office of the correctional ombudsman as peace officers; authorizes the attorney general to investigate the alleged commission of any criminal offense committed by an employee of the department of corrections and community supervision in connection with his or her official duties; relates to the confidentiality of certain records; includes the office of the correctional ombudsman records within the definition of public safety agency records; makes related provisions.

NY S07672

Creates the office of the correctional ombudsman to achieve transparency, fairness, impartiality and accountability in New York state correctional facilities; relates to reports by coroners; designates investigators of the office of the correctional ombudsman as peace officers; authorizes the attorney general to investigate the alleged commission of any criminal offense committed by an employee of the department of corrections and community supervision in connection with his or her official duties; relates to the confidentiality of certain records; includes the office of the correctional ombudsman records within the definition of public safety agency records; makes related provisions.

NY S08858

Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.

NY A09721

Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.

NY S01763

Requires every parole officer and employee of the department of corrections and community supervision to wear body cameras with video and audio whenever he or she is interacting with a parolee; implements the use of cameras in every official office and room in the department.

NY A02727

Prevents unfounded complaints against police officers, peace officers, firefighters, correction officers and emergency medical service providers from being disclosed or added to such police officer, peace officer, firefighter, correction officer or emergency medical service provider's personnel record.

NY S07089

Prevents unfounded complaints against police officers, peace officers, firefighters, correction officers and emergency medical service providers from being disclosed or added to such police officer, peace officer, firefighter, correction officer or emergency medical service provider's personnel record.

NY A10439

Requires that correction officers employed in correctional facilities be identified by badge number only.

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