NY A02038

Amends Mental Hygiene Law to require courts to determine whether a respondent is a "dangerous sex offender requiring confinement" if the respondent is at liberty or eligible for release between the probable cause hearing and trial date

Permits courts to order commitment to a secure treatment facility designated by the commissioner if probable cause is established that the respondent is a dangerous sex offender requiring confinement

Changes the standard of proof at trial from "by clear and convincing evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" for determining whether a respondent is a detained sex offender who suffers from a mental abnormality

Requires jury verdicts to be unanimous in cases where a jury determines the respondent's status

Takes effect immediately upon enactment