Bill > S05514

This bill amends the civil practice law and rules to expand the factors a court can consider when determining whether to issue a temporary extreme risk protection order (ERPO). Specifically, the bill adds evidence of recent acts of aggravated cruelty to animals as a new factor for courts to evaluate. An extreme risk protection order is a legal mechanism designed to temporarily prevent individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others from possessing firearms. The bill defines "recent" as within six months prior to filing the petition and references the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals from the agriculture and markets law. By including animal cruelty as a potential warning sign, the legislation aims to provide courts with additional context when assessing an individual's potential risk of violence. The new provision allows judges to consider acts of animal cruelty alongside other existing factors like threats of violence, weapon violations, substance abuse, and prior protective order infractions when deciding whether to issue a temporary ERPO.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5514