Bill > A05929

This bill amends the criminal procedure law to clarify protections for individuals whose criminal charges have been adjourned in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). Specifically, the bill updates language to ensure that when a criminal case is adjourned in contemplation of dismissal or certain other orders are granted, the action is considered terminated in the defendant's favor for the purposes of employment discrimination. The bill removes gender-specific language (changing "he" to "such defendant" and "his" to "their") and explicitly states that an ACD is not a conviction or an admission of guilt. The changes aim to prevent employment discrimination by ensuring that individuals with ACD orders are treated as if the arrest and prosecution never occurred, effectively restoring them to their status before the arrest. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, and it does not diminish any existing rights that employees, licensees, or job applicants may already have under current criminal procedure law. This legislation is designed to protect individuals from being penalized in employment settings for criminal charges that were ultimately dismissed.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5929