Bill > S05137

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations for the use of jailhouse informants in criminal proceedings, requiring prosecutors to disclose extensive information about these informants to the defense. Specifically, the bill defines a "jailhouse informant" as an incarcerated person who provides testimony about statements made by a suspected perpetrator or defendant. Prosecutors must now provide the defendant with the informant's complete criminal history, details of any promises or rewards made to the informant, summaries of the informant's statements, information about any previous testimony in other cases, and disclosure of any recantations. The bill also prohibits prosecutors from offering dismissals of serious crimes in exchange for testimony and requires judicial consent before offering benefits to informants. Additionally, the bill mandates that prosecutors make reasonable efforts to notify victims of crimes committed by jailhouse informants when the informant receives benefits in exchange for testimony, including contact by phone or mail. This legislation aims to increase transparency, protect defendants' rights, and ensure victims are informed about plea negotiations involving jailhouse informants. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5137