Bill > S01661

This bill creates a ten-member Board for Review of Officer-Involved Deaths and Near Deaths to investigate and review incidents where a person dies or nearly dies during an encounter with a police or peace officer in New York State. The board members will be appointed by the governor and include diverse backgrounds such as former law enforcement, prosecutors, a physician, an academic, and representatives from various legislative caucuses. Each member will serve a four-year term, cannot be actively affiliated with law enforcement, and will receive no compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The board will be supported by the State Police superintendent's office and will be responsible for establishing confidentiality procedures, meeting regularly, and making written recommendations to district attorneys, the governor, and other relevant officials after reviewing investigation reports. The bill also requires the State Police Bureau of Investigation to promptly investigate such incidents, cooperate with local agencies, provide bi-weekly updates, and produce detailed public reports. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers and department chiefs report such incidents to the State Police superintendent, and district attorneys must cooperate with the investigation and board, sharing relevant information and notifying the board about potential grand jury proceedings.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1661