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Bill

S 6442

Directs the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services to study gender disparity in sentencing outcomes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services commissioner to study gender disparities in sentencing outcomes to inform potential reforms for fairer sentencing.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · S 6442

Bill Summary: S 6442 — Directs the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services to study gender disparity in sentencing outcomes

Overview

S 6442 is a New York Senate bill introduced on March 14, 2025. The primary directive of the bill is to require the commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services to study gender disparity in sentencing outcomes. The bill is currently at the committee stage (REFERRED TO CODES), with a clear focus on analyzing whether sentencing outcomes differ by gender and potentially informing future policy considerations.

What the bill would do

  • Direct the commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services to conduct a study examining gender disparity in sentencing outcomes.
  • The available materials do not specify additional requirements such as data sources, methodology, reporting requirements, or timelines for completing the study. Details on deliverables, duration, or how findings would be transmitted to the legislature are not provided in the information available.

Key provisions (as provided)

  • Directive to study: The core provision directs the commissioner to study gender disparities in sentencing outcomes. No further substantive provisions (e.g., mandated reporting to the Legislature, interim findings, or funding allocations) are detailed in the provided text.

Who would be affected

  • The Division of Criminal Justice Services (and its commissioner), as the entity responsible for conducting the study.
  • Potentially, policymakers in the Legislature and criminal justice stakeholders who would use study findings to inform discussions on sentencing practices and equity.
  • Individuals and groups affected by sentencing outcomes; the study would focus on whether outcomes differ by gender and under what circumstances.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: March 14, 2025
  • Sponsorship: Pete Harckham (primary)
  • Committee referrals and actions:
    • Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction (March 14, 2025)
    • 1st report calendar 648 (April 8, 2025)
    • 2nd report calendar (April 9, 2025)
    • Advanced to third reading (April 10, 2025)
  • Senate action:
    • Passed the Senate on May 12, 2025 (listed twice in the actions)
    • Delivered to the Assembly on May 12, 2025
    • Referred to Codes in the Assembly (May 12, 2025)
  • Related legislation: S 7938 (prior-session) — indicates a related or prior-meeting counterpart or concept.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Policy implications: By studying gender disparities in sentencing, the bill could provide empirical findings that inform future policy discussions and potential reforms aimed at ensuring more equitable sentencing practices.
  • Resource implications: The study would require staff time and data access within the Division of Criminal Justice Services; lawmakers may consider funding or reporting requirements if none are specified.
  • Timelines: The bill as provided does not specify a deadline for completing the study or reporting; clarification in the final text would shape implementation.

Next steps

  • If enacted, the bill would proceed through the Assembly with further consideration in Codes, potential amendments, and floor votes.
  • The disposition of the study’s results (whether they lead to legislative proposals or administrative reforms) would depend on the final language and subsequent legislative actions.

Note: The summary reflects the information currently available about S 6442. If the full text of the bill becomes accessible, additional specifics on methodology, reporting requirements, funding, and timelines can be incorporated.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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