Bill > A06575

This bill establishes new requirements for investigating suspicious deaths of individuals with a documented history of domestic violence. The legislation defines key terms such as "domestic violence" (based on existing criminal procedure law), "identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence" (requiring corroborative evidence like police reports or restraining orders), and clarifies definitions of family members, close friends, and partners. When law enforcement identifies a deceased person with such a history and encounters at least three specific conditions—including premature death, suspicious death scene, relationship tension, history of coercive control, or death occurring in a residence—they must conduct a comprehensive investigation. This includes interviewing family members and close relatives about the domestic violence history and mandating a complete autopsy. The bill also ensures that family members and close friends have access to victim support services during the investigation. Furthermore, if local law enforcement closes a case without determining it a homicide, the decedent's family or legal counsel can request investigation records and seek a second autopsy opinion from a board-certified forensic pathologist. The legislation aims to provide more thorough and compassionate investigations of potential domestic violence-related deaths, ensuring that such cases receive appropriate scrutiny and support for the victim's loved ones.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6575