NY A01405

Establishes a gang court pilot program in Orange, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to hear and determine gang-related criminal cases, with courts to be designated by the chief administrator of the courts

Defines "criminal gang" as a group of three or more persons who share a common identity and actively engage in criminal conduct in violation of the penal law as a core undertaking

Allows transfer of cases to special gang parts after arraignment but before a guilty plea or trial commencement for offenses committed by gang members in the course of gang activities

Authorizes the chief administrator to promulgate special rules and procedures for gang court parts, including assignment of judicial personnel and auxiliary services

Program to commence no later than January 1, 2026 and expires 5 years after the effective date, with funding dependent on a combination of federal, state, and local funds