Bill > A03234

This bill makes technical corrections to the New York civil practice law and rules related to gender neutrality in the legal profession and restrictions on character fitness questionnaires for bar admission. Specifically, the bill replaces gendered pronouns like "his" with gender-neutral language such as "their" or "the applicant" throughout rules governing lawyer admission procedures. Additionally, the bill limits the character and fitness questionnaire by prohibiting questions about an applicant's prior interactions with law enforcement or the criminal justice system under certain circumstances, such as interactions that are no longer pending, did not result in a conviction, resulted in a juvenile or youthful offender proceeding, or involved a conviction that has been sealed. These changes aim to modernize the language around lawyer admission and reduce potential barriers for applicants by preventing inquiries into certain past legal interactions. The modifications apply to the process of investigating an applicant's character and fitness by committees in each judicial department, ensuring more inclusive and fair admission standards. The bill will take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3234