New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08354

Introduced
6/4/25  

Caption

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Impact

The legislation emphasizes the importance of victim participation in the criminal justice system by mandating that members of the parole board, as well as related commissioners, review all relevant victim impact statements before conducting any parole hearing. This change would require a procedural shift in how parole hearings are conducted, potentially leading to more informed decision-making by parole officials. Furthermore, it solidifies the victim's right to submit their statements in a format they find most accessible, thus broadening the avenues through which victims can express their views.

Summary

Bill S08354 proposes amendments to the criminal procedure law and executive law in New York, specifically aimed at enhancing the rights of victims during parole hearings. The bill allows for victim impact statements to be video recorded, ensuring that the emotional and psychological effects of a crime on victims are adequately represented in parole proceedings. This measure seeks to give victims a more significant voice in the judicial process, allowing them to convey their experiences and perspectives regarding the impact of the crime committed against them.

Conclusion

If enacted, S08354 would mark a significant step in reforming the state's approach to victim rights during parole proceedings. This bill recognizes the crucial role that victim narratives play in the broader context of justice, potentially shifting societal perceptions on the importance of victim feedback in the parole decision-making process.

Contention

While supporters of S08354 argue that it will enhance victim rights and ensure justice is served more comprehensively during parole considerations, there may be concerns regarding the logistics of implementing video recordings and ensuring confidentiality and protection for the victims. Additionally, there could be apprehensions from defendants regarding the potential emotional content of these statements influencing parole decisions in a manner that may not reflect the facts of the case, raising questions on procedural fairness.

Companion Bills

NY A03419

Same As Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Previously Filed As

NY S02733

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

NY A06459

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

NY A05548

Requires that all victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing.

NY S01815

Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.

NY A02724

Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.

NY S04188

Provides for family members of a crime victim and interested parties to make statements to members of the parole board; provides that such oral statement shall be made to the members of the state board of parole who will determine whether the defendant is released.

NY S00081

Requires the notice to crime victims of case disposition to inform the victim that he or she has the right to attend interviews between the board of parole and the incarcerated individual in cases where the final disposition includes a felony defined in article one hundred twenty-five of the penal law that results in the commitment of the defendant to the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision for an indeterminate sentence; requires the board of parole to review victim impact statements, failure to review such statements shall make a hearing by the board of parole invalid.

NY A04623

Requires the notice to crime victims of case disposition to inform the victim that he or she has the right to attend interviews between the board of parole and the incarcerated individual in cases where the final disposition includes a felony defined in article one hundred twenty-five of the penal law that results in the commitment of the defendant to the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision for an indeterminate sentence; requires the board of parole to review victim impact statements, failure to review such statements shall make a hearing by the board of parole invalid.

NY A01901

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

NY S06278

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

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