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NY S04089
Bill
Status
1/31/2025
Primary Sponsor
Kevin Parker
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires courts to instruct juries, upon request of a party, not to let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence their verdict in criminal trials
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Defines "bias" to include bias against victims or witnesses based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation
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Targets so-called "panic strategies" where defendants attempt to justify their actions based on discovering a victim's protected characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity
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Declares it against public policy for defendants to be acquitted or convicted of lesser offenses based on appeals to societal bias held by jury members
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Takes effect 60 days after becoming law
Legislative Description
Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses; provides that such instructions shall include, but not be limited to, "Do not let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence your decision"; defines the term "bias".
Last Action
REFERRED TO CODES
1/7/2026