Bill > A05165

This bill modifies New York state law regarding sentencing for certain murder cases, specifically focusing on first-degree murder. The bill provides that for specific types of first-degree murder (defined in certain subparagraphs of section 125.27), a convicted defendant can be sentenced to either death or life imprisonment without parole. The legislation clarifies sentencing procedures, requiring that if the death penalty is not imposed, the defendant must receive a life without parole sentence. The bill updates multiple sections of the penal and criminal procedure law to ensure consistency in sentencing guidelines. Specifically, it removes the previous option of imposing a standard prison term for these murder offenses and mandates that for certain murder convictions, the only two sentencing options are death or life without the possibility of parole. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, and the bill is designed to provide more stringent sentencing for the most serious murder cases by eliminating intermediate sentencing options and emphasizing the most severe punishments.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5165