Bill > A05066

This bill amends the Executive Law, County Law, and Criminal Procedure Law to expand the role and powers of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. The key provisions include: 1. Establishing the Justice Center as the entity responsible for investigating and resolving both criminal and non-criminal matters involving the abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons. The bill allows the transfer of criminal matters to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction. 2. Empowering the Special Prosecutor and Inspector General of the Justice Center to investigate and, with the consent of a District Attorney, prosecute offenses involving the abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons. The bill also allows District Attorneys to appoint the Special Prosecutor and their assistants as special assistant district attorneys for such investigations and prosecutions. 3. Defining sworn investigators employed by the Justice Center as "police officers" under the Criminal Procedure Law, granting them certain investigative powers. The bill aims to strengthen the state's ability to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect by enhancing the investigative and prosecutorial capabilities of the Justice Center.