Bill > S05791

This bill establishes a "Juvenile Offender Second Chance Act" that allows certain individuals who were previously convicted as juvenile offenders to petition for a youthful offender status later in life, even if they were originally sentenced as adults. To be eligible, a person must: be at least 26 years old, have been convicted or sentenced as a juvenile offender, have no subsequent felony convictions, have no more than one misdemeanor conviction, not be a level three sex offender, and not be under strict intensive supervision or civil commitment. If an eligible petitioner meets these criteria, the court must review their case and can find them to be a youthful offender, which provides certain sentencing benefits and protections. The bill allows for a second chance by enabling these individuals to potentially have their criminal records and sentencing reconsidered, with the goal of providing more rehabilitative and age-appropriate legal treatment. The changes to the criminal procedure law will take effect on the first of November following the bill becoming law, offering a pathway for individuals who were sentenced as juvenile offenders to seek modified legal status years after their original conviction.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5791