Bill > A05617

This bill expands the investigative powers of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) in New York City to formally include the ability to receive, investigate, and make recommendations about complaints alleging bias-based profiling. The bill specifically defines "bias-based profiling" as an act by law enforcement professionals who rely on characteristics such as race, national origin, color, creed, age, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status as the primary factor in initiating law enforcement action, rather than focusing on an individual's actual behavior or specific evidence linking a person to suspected unlawful activity. The amendment to the New York City Charter allows the CCRB to hear and make findings on such complaints, with the understanding that no finding or recommendation can be based solely on an unsworn complaint or statement, and previous unsubstantiated or withdrawn complaints cannot form the basis of new recommendations. The bill aims to provide a more comprehensive mechanism for addressing potential discriminatory practices in law enforcement and enhances civilian oversight of police conduct. The legislation will take effect immediately upon enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5617