Relates to filling the void left by the expansive and overbroad applicability of the qualified immunity doctrine that operates as a near absolute shield to civil liability for public officials and ensures that state officials are justly held accountable for violating an individual's rights, privileges and immunities under state law.
Relates to unlawful possession and sale of cannabis; provides for a civil penalty for possession of three ounces or less of cannabis or cannabis products by persons under the age of twenty-one; provides for criminal penalties for the possession and sale of preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing cannabis and concentrated cannabis of certain aggregate weights.
Preserves the ability to appeal a violation of a defendant's right to make a statement personally in his or her own behalf at sentencing notwithstanding a defendant signed an otherwise valid waiver of appeal.
Provides that when the division of criminal justice services conducts a search of its criminal history records and returns a report thereon, all references to undisposed cases shall be excluded.
Establishes an "operation SNUG" program within the division of criminal justice services which provides grant awards to reduce, prevent or respond to gun violence.
Provides that when a person is convicted of two or more felony counts and at least one of which is an offense defined in article 265 of the penal law involving the possession or use of an illegal firearm, rifle or shotgun, the sentences must run consecutively.
Expands the exemption provided to professional journalists and newscasters from contempt to include employment or association with a web log; defines web log as a website or webpage that contains an online journal containing news, comments and offers hyperlinks provided by the writer.
Establishes offenses of sexual assault against a child by a person in a position of trust for the subjection of a child to sexual contact by a person in a position of trust; defines "person in a position of trust" as a person charged with the duty or responsibility for the health, education, welfare or supervision of a child; establishes such offenses shall be violent felony offenses.