Bill > S01291

This bill amends the executive law to expand the Attorney General's investigative authority in cases involving deaths potentially caused by certain peace officers. Specifically, the bill allows the Attorney General to transfer investigative and criminal jurisdiction to an independent counsel in instances involving alleged criminal offenses committed by peace officers employed or contracted by a corrections agency, or peace officers as defined in specific sections of the criminal procedure law. The independent counsel must be a lawyer with a reputation for integrity, impartial decision-making, and appropriate experience to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation. The bill ensures that if the Attorney General determines an incident does not meet the requirements for their investigation, they must promptly notify the local district attorney. The independent counsel will be granted the same powers and authority as a deputy attorney general for special investigations, providing a mechanism for impartial review of potentially problematic incidents involving law enforcement officers that result in a person's death, whether the person was in custody or not.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1291