Bill > A01684

This bill establishes a new special prosecutor position specifically dedicated to investigating and prosecuting deaths of unarmed civilians caused by police officers in New York State. The governor will appoint this special prosecutor within 30 days, with the advice and consent of the senate, for a three-year term. The special prosecutor can only be removed for specific reasons such as permanent disability, gross inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, felony conviction, or conduct involving moral turpitude. The special prosecutor will have full-time, exclusive jurisdiction over such cases, displacing the local county district attorney's authority in these investigations. Key responsibilities include conducting independent, comprehensive investigations, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing investigative and scientific reports. The special prosecutor must provide detailed reports to the governor and legislature, including explanations when declining to pursue charges or when a grand jury does not return an indictment, and must submit annual reports on their work. The special prosecutor will have the powers of an assistant attorney general and can appoint supporting staff as needed. The bill will take effect 60 days after becoming law, creating a dedicated mechanism to investigate potential police misconduct in civilian deaths.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1684