Bill > A06253

This bill eliminates life without parole sentences and the death penalty in New York State by making comprehensive changes to multiple areas of state law. The legislation removes all references to life without parole and death sentences across various legal codes, including the penal, correction, and criminal procedure laws. Specifically, the bill modifies sentencing guidelines for serious crimes like first-degree murder, removing options for death sentences or life without parole, and instead requiring alternative sentencing approaches such as determinate prison terms. For example, a person convicted of first-degree murder will now receive a prison sentence for the class A-I felony, but cannot be sentenced to death or condemned to spend the rest of their life in prison without the possibility of release. The bill also repeals numerous sections of law related to death penalty procedures, jury selection for capital cases, and special appeal processes for death sentence cases. By removing these provisions, the legislation effectively ends capital punishment and life without parole in New York, reflecting a growing movement to reform criminal sentencing practices and eliminate what some consider cruel and unusual punishment. The law is set to take effect 120 days after becoming official.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6253