Bill > S07957

This bill amends existing criminal procedure and family court laws to allow for the detention of juveniles with adults under specific circumstances when no appropriate juvenile detention facilities are available nearby. Specifically, if there are no beds at the closest juvenile detention facility (within a defined distance), the court can direct that a juvenile be placed in an adult facility, with a preference for facilities that provide 100% sight and sound separation between juveniles and adult inmates. The bill defines a "reasonable distance" as within fifty miles and allows detention facilities certified by the Office of Children and Family Services to have first right of refusal for alternative placements when no specialized juvenile detention beds are available. The goal appears to be providing a pragmatic solution for juvenile detention when standard juvenile facilities are at capacity, while still attempting to minimize direct contact between juveniles and adult inmates. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7957