Bill > S00908

This bill modifies New York state law to significantly restrict the governor's power to grant clemency (pardons, reprieves, or commutations) for certain serious criminal offenses. Specifically, the bill prohibits clemency for individuals convicted of murder or sentenced to life without parole, as well as for defendants who commit or attempt certain serious felonies like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, first-degree rape, and various sexual abuse crimes, where the defendant or another participant intentionally causes the death of specific types of victims during the course of the crime. These victims include police officers, peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, correctional facility employees, and other individuals performing emergency response duties. The bill also amends the penal law to explicitly state that defendants sentenced to life without parole shall not be eligible for commutation or pardon. This legislation effectively removes judicial discretion for clemency in these severe criminal cases, ensuring that individuals convicted of the specified offenses cannot have their sentences reduced or receive pardons, regardless of circumstances.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S908