Bill > A09345

This bill amends New York state law to protect individuals from civil arrests (legal actions that are not primarily for criminal prosecution) while they are going to, at, or returning from a polling place. The legislation establishes that a person present at a polling place cannot be civilly arrested unless there is a judicial warrant or order specifically authorizing such an arrest. The bill also requires law enforcement representatives entering a polling place to identify themselves, state their specific purpose, and provide any relevant warrants to polling place personnel. Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Board of Elections create rules to prevent disenfranchisement, including requirements that most arrests cannot be made inside a polling place without court permission, and that an unusual occurrence report must be filed for any law enforcement actions taken at a polling place. The legislation further requires the State Board of Elections to maintain a central record of judicial warrants and create an annual report detailing arrest-related statistics. The bill aims to protect voters' ability to participate in the electoral process without fear of legal interference and ensures transparency in any law enforcement actions that might occur near polling places.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9345