Bill > A02677

This bill amends the New York executive law to expand the attorney general's authority in cases involving the death of a person caused by a peace officer from a corrections agency or a specific type of peace officer. Specifically, the bill allows the attorney general to transfer the investigative and criminal jurisdiction to an independent individual or team in such cases. The independent investigator must be a lawyer with a reputation for integrity, impartiality, and appropriate experience to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation. The bill ensures that in incidents where a peace officer (whether on or off duty) is involved in a person's death, there is a mechanism to appoint an independent special counsel to investigate the matter. This change aims to provide greater transparency and accountability in cases involving potential misconduct by law enforcement officers, giving the attorney general the flexibility to assign an unbiased external investigator when deemed necessary. The amendment expands upon existing provisions in the law that were previously added in 2020, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2677