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NY A00640
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/8/2025
Primary Sponsor
Linda Rosenthal
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a "Special Advocates for Animal Welfare Program" allowing courts to appoint advocates to represent animal interests in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding animal welfare
- Advocates must monitor cases, access relevant files and records (including from animal control, SPCA, veterinarians, and police), and present information and recommendations to the court
- Advocates may consult with experts, attend hearings, and provide victim impact statements on behalf of animal victims
- Advocates explicitly do not have discovery or subpoena powers
- The Office of Court Administration will maintain a list of volunteer attorneys and supervised law students eligible to serve as animal advocates
- Takes effect 180 days after becoming law
Legislative Description
Relates to the creation of a court appointed advocate for animals.
Last Action
referred to judiciary
1/7/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/8/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available