Bill > A05800

This bill modifies existing New York state law to restrict the governor's power to grant clemency (formal forgiveness or reduction of criminal punishment) for certain serious criminal offenses. Specifically, the bill prohibits the governor from granting reprieves, commutations, or pardons for individuals convicted of murder, or those sentenced to life without parole, when the defendant commits or attempts to commit specific serious crimes like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, first-degree rape, and various other serious sexual and escape-related offenses. Additionally, the bill prevents clemency if during the commission of these crimes or while fleeing, the defendant or another participant intentionally causes the death of specific protected professionals, including police officers, peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and correctional facility employees. The legislation also amends the penal law to explicitly state that defendants sentenced to life without parole cannot be eligible for commutation or pardon, effectively closing previous potential pathways for sentence reduction or forgiveness for these serious criminal offenses.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5800