Bill > A06684

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to expand the circumstances under which family members of a deceased victim can make statements during a defendant's sentencing. Currently, only a single family member could speak on behalf of a deceased victim, but the new legislation allows the court to exercise discretion in permitting multiple family members (specifically a spouse and/or parent) to read statements in court. The bill requires that before allowing multiple family members to speak, the court must consult with the defendant's counsel and the prosecution. This change provides more flexibility in victim impact statements for cases involving deceased victims, recognizing that multiple family members might have important perspectives to share during sentencing. The language update also modernizes the text by replacing gendered language ("himself or herself") with the gender-neutral term "themself". The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6684