Bill > S01389

This bill modifies the criminal procedure law regarding the enforcement of securing orders, specifically changing how courts handle a defendant's failure to appear for a scheduled court appearance. Currently, before issuing a bench warrant (a type of arrest warrant issued by a judge when someone does not show up to a court proceeding), courts were required to provide at least 48 hours of notice to the defendant or their legal counsel, giving them an opportunity to voluntarily appear. The new bill eliminates this 48-hour notice requirement, allowing courts to immediately issue a bench warrant when a defendant fails to appear, without first waiting or providing advance warning. This change means that if a defendant does not show up for a scheduled court appearance, the court can now take immediate action to compel their attendance through the issuance of a bench warrant, streamlining the process for ensuring defendant participation in criminal proceedings. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1389