Bill > S01404

This bill proposes significant changes to grand jury proceedings involving police officers or peace officers who are involved in shootings or incidents of excessive force resulting in death or injury to an unarmed civilian. The bill mandates that such grand jury proceedings must be conducted as open, contemporaneous public hearings, which is a departure from the traditional closed-door grand jury process. Additionally, the bill prohibits district attorneys from seeking indictments against such officers through an indictment by information, a legal mechanism typically used for less serious offenses. Furthermore, if a district attorney decides not to pursue an indictment in these cases, they will be required to produce a detailed report explaining the rationale behind their decision. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability in cases involving potential police misconduct, particularly in situations where an unarmed civilian has been killed or injured. The bill would take effect 30 days after becoming law, providing a brief transition period for implementation.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1404