New York Senate Bill S08415

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

Enacts into law components of legislation necessary to implement an omnibus bill related to correctional services in the state of New York; requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of incarcerated individuals to the attorney general's office of special investigations (Part A); requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the camera coverage of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such camera recordings (Part B); provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next of kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody (Part C); directs the state commission of correction to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies (Part D); establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy (Part E); relates to conflicts within the office of special investigation; provides that if the office of the attorney general has a conflict representing state employees in civil litigation, the attorney general may designate a deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general to act in their place; requires the attorney general to establish procedures to screen off certain records (part F); 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 (Part G); increases the number of members on the state commission of correction; provides for the manner of confirmation of such members (Part H); relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time with 24 hours advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities (Part I); relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody (Part J).

Impact

In addition to regulating video disclosures, the bill contains provisions that promote health and safety within correctional facilities. This includes the establishment of the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act, which mandates that autopsy reports include comprehensive documentation, such as photographs and microscopic slides. Furthermore, it extends the timelines for civil claims regarding injuries sustained while in custody, allowing individuals up to three years post-release to seek justice. These reforms are geared toward providing families with recourse and establishing clearer accountability for state agencies overseeing corrections, challenging existing norms surrounding inmate care and oversight.

Summary

Bill S08415 focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability within New York's correctional facilities through mandated disclosures and procedural reforms. Among its significant provisions, the bill requires the prompt disclosure of video footage related to the deaths of incarcerated individuals, with an emphasis on cases involving correctional officers. This measure aims to ensure timely access to critical evidence for investigations conducted by the attorney general's office, as a means to bolster public trust in correctional systems. The requirement for video disclosure to occur within seventy-two hours underscores the urgency associated with maintaining oversight in custodial environments.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions towards accountability, it has sparked debates concerning the balance of oversight with the rights of correctional staff. Critics express concerns regarding potential overreach in enforcing accountability measures and the implications this might have for law enforcement operations within correctional settings. Legislative discussions highlight differing views on how these changes might affect officer discretion, the potential infringement on privacy, and the administrative burden imposed by stringent documentation requirements. These contentious points illustrate the complexities inherent in reforming a system that has faced scrutiny for its treatment of incarcerated individuals.