Bill > A04646

This bill amends the criminal procedure law to designate public safety officers of the Chautauqua Institution as peace officers within a specific jurisdiction. The bill allows the Chautauqua Institution's board of trustees to appoint peace officers to protect the institution's grounds, buildings, and property, and to prevent and enforce laws. These peace officers would have limited powers, specifically within the Chautauqua Institution's grounds in Chautauqua County, including adjacent public streets and sidewalks, and could extend their jurisdiction beyond this area only when requested by the county sheriff to transport an arrested individual. To be eligible, these peace officers must complete the New York state basic course for peace officers with firearms and meet other requirements. The bill importantly stipulates that these officers cannot carry firearms without appropriate licensing, and the Chautauqua Institution must provide legal defense and indemnification for these officers while they are performing their special duties, except when acting as agents of the county sheriff. This legislation provides a formal legal framework for the institution's security personnel to have peace officer status within a clearly defined scope of responsibility.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4646