Bill > S01641

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to expand support options for vulnerable elderly persons during grand jury proceedings. Currently, support persons are limited for child witnesses in specific types of cases, but this bill broadens those provisions to include vulnerable elderly persons. Specifically, the bill allows a social worker or informal caregiver to accompany a vulnerable elderly person when testifying in a grand jury proceeding for any type of offense, provided that the district attorney consents. The support person is prohibited from answering questions or participating in the proceeding and must first take an oath to keep all grand jury matters confidential. This change aims to provide emotional support and comfort to elderly witnesses during potentially stressful legal proceedings, while maintaining the integrity of the grand jury process by restricting the support person's direct involvement in the testimony.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1641