Bill > A07352

This bill amends the New York criminal procedure law to change how applications for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeals are processed. Currently, individual judges can grant these applications, but the bill requires that applications be made to the full Court of Appeals, with approval needing support from two judges after a full court review. The bill, called the "fair court of appeals access act," modifies the existing process for seeking permission to appeal a lower court's decision in criminal cases. Specifically, it eliminates the option of applying to a single judge and instead mandates that applications be submitted in writing to the court's clerk, who will then notify the respondent. The bill also grants the Court of Appeals the authority to create additional rules governing leave to appeal applications, as long as those rules do not conflict with the new statute. The changes will apply to any application for leave to appeal from an intermediate appellate court order entered on or after the bill's effective date, which is immediate upon passage. The goal appears to be standardizing and potentially making more rigorous the process of seeking permission to have a case heard by New York's highest court.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7352