Bill > A06429

This bill modifies existing New York state laws regarding second felony drug offenders, making significant changes to how prior convictions are considered when sentencing individuals. Specifically, the bill removes previous restrictions that differentiated between violent and non-violent felony convictions for second felony drug offenders, and eliminates the requirement that prior convictions be specifically for violent felony offenses or certain drug-related class A felonies. The bill also repeals subdivision 4 of section 70.70 of the penal law, which likely contained additional qualifying conditions for second felony drug offenders. Under the new provisions, a second felony drug offender would be defined more broadly, potentially including individuals with prior convictions for a wider range of felony offenses within the preceding ten years (excluding time spent incarcerated). The bill is designed to simplify and potentially expand the definition of second felony drug offenders, which could impact sentencing guidelines and criminal procedure. The changes will apply to cases where sentences are imposed on or after the bill's effective date, which is immediate upon enactment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6429