New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07396

Introduced
4/14/25  

Caption

Requires investigation and autopsy of suspicious deaths where the deceased individual had an identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for state laws regarding investigations into deaths linked to domestic violence. By defining specific conditions under which additional investigations must occur, the bill provides a framework intended to protect vulnerable populations and close gaps in the way such cases are handled. It promotes accountability within law enforcement agencies by requiring a higher standard of investigation when there is evidence suggesting a history of domestic violence.

Summary

Bill S07396 proposes amendments to the executive law concerning the investigation of suspicious deaths, particularly in cases where individuals have a documented history of domestic violence. The legislation mandates that in such cases, law enforcement must conduct thorough investigations, including interviewing family members and obtaining autopsies if certain criteria are met. This is aimed at ensuring that potential homicides are not overlooked due to misclassification as suicides or accidents, especially in situations involving domestic violence.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding Bill S07396 include concerns from various stakeholders about the practicality and resource implications of mandating extensive investigations in all cases with an identifiable history of domestic violence. Critics may argue that such requirements could strain law enforcement resources or lead to inconsistencies in investigations based on varying interpretations of the bill's criteria. Proponents, however, argue that the need for thorough investigations far outweighs these concerns, as failing to address domestic violence thoroughly can result in unnecessary loss of life and justice being denied to victims.

Companion Bills

NY A06575

Same As Requires investigation and autopsy of suspicious deaths where the deceased individual had an identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence.

Previously Filed As

NY S07996

Prohibits discrimination against any individual with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking; requires training on discrimination against individuals with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking.

NY A08971

Prohibits discrimination against any individual with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking; requires training on discrimination against individuals with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking.

NY S04443

Directs the office for the prevention of domestic violence to facilitate the establishment of five crime victim and trauma survivor recovery centers throughout the state to help individuals who have experienced violent crime, including individuals who suffered gunshot wounds, as well as victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and hate crimes, and those who had a family member assaulted or killed, free of charge.

NY S06836

Relates to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence for victims of domestic violence; permits victims of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave of absence for twenty days from employment to address on-going domestic violence; defines "address on-going domestic violence"; contains provision to protect the individual's job position and benefits.

NY A08000

Relates to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence for victims of domestic violence; permits victims of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave of absence for twenty days from employment to address on-going domestic violence; defines "address on-going domestic violence"; contains provision to protect the individual's job position and benefits.

NY A01138

Requires medical assistance be provided to victims of domestic violence to care for and treat any scarring resulting from the domestic violence incident.

NY A03614

Requires court review of domestic violence bail applications.

NY A01276

Establishes Bella's Law which calls for an investigation into possible domestic violence or abuse for persons who have been accused of animal abuse.

NY S07812

Establishes Bella's Law which calls for an investigation into possible domestic violence or abuse for persons who have been accused of animal abuse.

NY S09358

Requires the New York state office for the prevention of domestic violence to establish trauma-informed standards for domestic violence abuse intervention programs; establishes requirements for such standards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.