Bill > S00942

This bill modifies New York State law to mandate life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for defendants convicted of murdering a police officer, peace officer, first responder, or correctional officer during the commission of certain felonies. Specifically, the legislation creates a new subsection in the penal code (subdivision 6 of section 125.25) that defines murder in the second degree when a person intentionally causes the death of a protected professional class (including police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and correctional employees) while committing or attempting to commit a serious felony like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or rape. The bill also amends related sections of the penal law to ensure that such convictions result in mandatory life imprisonment without parole, removing previous judicial discretion for sentencing in these specific circumstances. This means that if a defendant is found guilty of killing a police officer, peace officer, first responder, or correctional officer during the course of another felony, they will automatically receive a life sentence without the possibility of release, parole, conditional release, commutation, or pardon. The legislation aims to provide enhanced protection and legal consequences for crimes targeting these critical public service professionals.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S942