Bill > S04859

This bill amends the Judiciary Law to enhance the transparency and accountability of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct by making several key changes. First, it mandates that formal written complaints against judges and their corresponding answers, as well as subsequent commission proceedings, shall be made public, removing previous provisions that allowed hearings to remain confidential. The bill extends the commission's jurisdiction to investigate judges who resign or retire while under investigation, ensuring that disciplinary proceedings can continue even after a judge leaves office. Specifically, the commission retains the power to pursue formal complaints served on a judge within 120 days of their resignation or retirement, and if the Court of Appeals determines the judge should be removed, that judge would become ineligible to hold any future judicial office. Additionally, the bill modifies confidentiality rules to allow judges to request public disclosure of certain complaint documents, such as those resulting in cautions, admonitions, censures, removals, retirements, or resignations, with personal identifying information about non-participants redacted. These changes aim to increase transparency in the judicial discipline process and prevent judges from avoiding accountability by resigning or retiring mid-investigation.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4859