Bill > A05522

This bill amends New York state law to specify that when a defendant is convicted of first-degree murder where the victim is a police officer, peace officer, or correction officer, the sentencing options are either death or life imprisonment without parole. The bill modifies several sections of the penal code to clarify and codify these sentencing guidelines, specifically focusing on first-degree murder cases involving law enforcement victims. The changes affect how minimum sentences are determined and provide explicit instructions for jury instructions during sentencing proceedings. Importantly, the bill removes previous options for alternative sentences like fixed-term imprisonment and ensures that for these specific murder cases, the jury must unanimously agree on either a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, the default sentence will be life imprisonment without parole. The legislation is designed to provide stricter sentencing for murders targeting law enforcement officers and goes into effect immediately, applying to offenses committed on or after its enactment date.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5522