Bill > A00068

This bill comprehensively reforms the discovery provisions for juvenile delinquency proceedings in family court, establishing detailed and structured guidelines for how evidence and information must be shared between the presentment agency (prosecutor) and the respondent (juvenile). The bill repeals existing discovery sections and replaces them with thirteen new sections that outline precise requirements for disclosure at various stages of the proceedings. Key provisions include mandating that the presentment agency disclose a wide range of materials at the respondent's initial appearance, including police reports, witness statements, electronic recordings, and exculpatory information, with specific timelines for different scenarios (such as whether the respondent is in detention). The bill also establishes reciprocal discovery obligations, requiring the respondent to similarly disclose certain materials, and creates mechanisms for protective orders to handle sensitive information. Additionally, the bill provides for a continuing duty to disclose new information, outlines potential remedies and sanctions for non-compliance, and includes provisions for DNA comparisons and non-testimonial evidence collection. The goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in juvenile delinquency proceedings by creating clear, comprehensive discovery rules that balance the rights of the respondent with the needs of the justice system.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A68