Bill > A06563

This bill requires notification of crime victims or witnesses when the accused person dies during various stages of legal proceedings or supervision. Specifically, the bill amends existing law to mandate that victims and witnesses be notified if the accused dies during pending judicial proceedings, while incarcerated, during parole or post-release supervision, or when an order of protection is in place. The bill modifies several existing laws to ensure this notification, including changing the executive law to add death notification as a required victim service. It also requires the Department of Health to provide monthly death certificate records to victim assistance offices and criminal justice services, helping to facilitate these notifications. The bill shifts the notification from being optional (where victims had to register) to an automatic process, giving victims the right to be informed about significant developments related to their case, including the death of the accused. The legislation aims to keep victims informed and provide them with a sense of closure or continued awareness about legal proceedings involving individuals who committed crimes against them.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6563