Bill > S01138

This bill adds a new section to New York's executive law that prohibits police officers, peace officers, and correctional facility employees from interfering with medical care for incarcerated individuals. The bill precisely defines these roles by referencing existing legal definitions: "police officer" is defined according to the criminal procedure law's section 1.20, subdivision thirty-four, and "peace officer" is defined in section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law. The legislation establishes that any person in these professional categories who obstructs or prevents medical assistance to an incarcerated person will be committing a class E felony. This means that such interference is now a serious criminal offense, which carries potential legal consequences including potential imprisonment and a criminal record. The bill appears designed to protect the medical rights and health of incarcerated individuals by creating a clear legal mechanism to prevent potential medical neglect or intentional obstruction of necessary healthcare services within correctional settings.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1138