New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07696

Introduced
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Engrossed
6/4/25  

Caption

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

Impact

The amendment is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of the judiciary by providing a pathway for experienced former judges to contribute to the court system without the formalities of reinstatement. By enabling these individuals to serve as judicial hearing officers, S07696 is intended to expedite proceedings and mitigate any backlog in cases, particularly in housing disputes which are often time-sensitive.

Summary

Bill S07696, introduced by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, proposes amendments to the judiciary law regarding the designation of former judges as judicial hearing officers in New York. Specifically, it allows individuals who have previously served as state-paid judges or as housing judges in the New York City civil court to apply for re-designation as judicial hearing officers after leaving their judicial positions. This change aims to leverage the experience of former judges to enhance the efficiency of court operations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance judicial efficiency, there may be points of contention regarding the criteria for eligibility and the potential implications for current judges. There could be concerns about the perceived appropriateness of allowing former judges to take on roles that interact with ongoing judicial processes, as this may raise questions about impartiality or the influence of prior positions on current judgments. Additionally, there may be discussions around how this aligns with broader judicial reform initiatives and the use of resources within the New York court system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S09423

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

NY A10264

Restructures the selection process for judges of the housing part of the civil court of the city of New York; relates to designating petitions for candidates for the office of judge of the housing part of the civil court of the city of New York; makes conforming changes; abolishes the advisory council for the housing part of the civil court of the city of New York; repeals provisions relating to the selection and appointment of housing court judges.

NY S07567

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY A09143

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY S06665

Requires the chief administrator of the courts to provide reports on legal training programs conducted by the office of court administration, the performance of the judges and justices of the unified court system, and the security of the judicial and non-judicial officers of the unified court system.

NY A07507

Requires the chief administrator of the courts to provide reports on legal training programs conducted by the office of court administration, the performance of the judges and justices of the unified court system, and the security of the judicial and non-judicial officers of the unified court system.

NY S07722

Provides that all court clerks of the unified court system shall be designated as peace officers.

NY A08174

Provides that all court clerks of the unified court system shall be designated as peace officers.

NY A00732

Establishes a system of merit selection of judges of the state's major trial courts instead of elections and for the designation of certain justices of the supreme court; affects certain courts including the supreme court, surrogate's court, the New York city civil court, the New York city criminal court and the district court.

NY A07669

Increases the number of judges in the second, ninth and eleventh districts; provides for additional family court judges in the city of New York and certain counties; provides for additional city and civil court judges in New York city.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.