Bill > S00109

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to significantly restrict the governor's power to grant commutations and pardons for certain serious criminal offenses. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the governor from granting commutations or pardons for individuals convicted of murder, sentenced to life without parole, or who have committed or attempted to commit specific serious crimes (including robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, various sexual offenses, and escape) during which they or another participant intentionally caused the death of certain protected persons like police officers, firefighters, emergency medical workers, correctional employees, and first responders. The proposed amendment would modify the existing constitutional provisions that currently allow the governor broad discretion in granting reprieves, commutations, and pardons for most offenses (except treason). The bill requires that this proposed constitutional amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and be published for three months prior to that election, following standard procedures for constitutional amendments in New York State.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S109