Bill > A00588

This bill addresses the expungement of criminal records for individuals previously convicted of loitering for the purpose of engaging in a prostitution offense, which is no longer considered a crime. Specifically, the bill mandates that all convictions under the former section 240.37 of the penal law (as it existed on February 1, 2021) will be automatically vacated, dismissed, and have their associated records expunged. The chief administrator of the courts is required to notify various law enforcement agencies about these vacated convictions and ensure that the records are marked as expunged. The bill also directs the office of court administration to develop an information campaign to inform the public about the expungement process, including how individuals can have their records cleared and the impact on their criminal history. Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language to remove references to loitering for prostitution as a chargeable offense, effectively treating these past convictions as null and void. The goal is to provide relief to individuals who were previously criminalized for this specific offense, recognizing changes in societal and legal attitudes towards prostitution-related charges.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A588