Bill > S07396

This bill requires law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and request a complete autopsy in cases of suspicious deaths where the deceased had a documented history of domestic violence. The bill defines key terms such as "domestic violence" (based on family offense definitions), "identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence" (verified through official documentation), and specifies relationships like "family member," "close friend," and "partner." If an investigator identifies three or more specific conditions that suggest potential foul play—such as premature death, suspicious death scene circumstances, relationship tensions, history of coercive control, or the deceased being found by a current/previous partner—they must interview family members and conduct a comprehensive autopsy. The bill also ensures that family members and close friends have access to victim support services during the investigation and the right to request investigation records and a second autopsy opinion if local law enforcement closes the case without determining it a homicide. The legislation aims to provide more rigorous scrutiny of deaths potentially linked to domestic violence and offer support to the victim's loved ones throughout the investigative process.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7396