Bill > A03419

This bill enhances victim rights and participation in the criminal justice process by allowing victims to submit video-recorded impact statements and ensuring these statements receive thorough review during parole hearings. Specifically, the bill modifies existing New York state law to enable victims to provide impact statements in video format when an offender is sentenced to corrections and is eligible for parole. The bill requires that parole board members and presiding commissioners must comprehensively review all victim impact statements related to the offense before conducting a parole hearing, including statements from pre-sentencing reports and those submitted directly to the parole board. Additionally, these board members must sign a written attestation confirming they have reviewed these statements. The legislation broadens the ways victims can provide input about the impact of a crime, giving them more opportunities to be heard during the criminal justice process, particularly during parole considerations. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementing regulations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3419