Bill > S04461

This bill provides judges with more discretion regarding securing orders (court-mandated conditions for a defendant's release) and establishes new criminal discovery rules. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to give courts more flexibility in determining whether to release a defendant on recognizance, set bail, or impose other conditions. The legislation introduces a new pre-arraignment bail system that allows police officers to issue appearance tickets with the option of posting bail, and creates a comprehensive set of discovery rules that outline what information prosecutors and defendants must share with each other before trial. Key changes include simplifying the process for issuing appearance tickets, expanding judicial discretion in setting bail and release conditions, and creating detailed guidelines for how and when criminal case evidence must be disclosed by both prosecution and defense. The bill removes some previous restrictions on bail and non-monetary release conditions, giving courts more latitude to make individualized determinations based on the specific circumstances of each case. Additionally, the new discovery article establishes clear timelines, procedures, and potential sanctions for failing to properly share evidence between prosecution and defense.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4461