NY A05066

Changes the justice center's criminal unit from a "prosecution" role to an "investigation" role, with matters automatically referred to both the criminal unit and applicable law enforcement agencies.

Requires the special prosecutor to obtain consent from the district attorney before prosecuting abuse or neglect cases, while explicitly preserving district attorneys' independent authority to investigate and prosecute such offenses.

Allows district attorneys to appoint the special prosecutor and/or their assistants as special assistant district attorneys for investigations and prosecutions involving abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons by custodians.

Defines sworn investigators employed by the justice center as "peace officers" under criminal procedure law, with certification requirements under executive law section 846-h.

Includes a sunset provision where section 5 expires when section 13 of chapter 59 of the laws of 2021 takes effect, at which point section 6 becomes effective.