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Bill

A 9617

Establishes county law enforcement civilian complaint review boards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dana Levenberg and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes county civilian complaint review boards to receive, investigate, and issue findings on complaints against county law enforcement, enhancing oversight and transparency.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 9617

Summary of Bill A 9617 (2025-2026) – Establishes county law enforcement civilian complaint review boards

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to create civilian-based oversight mechanisms at the county level for law enforcement conduct. Specifically, it establishes civilian complaint review boards to receive, review, and make findings on complaints against county law enforcement officers.
  • The overarching goal is to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in county police departments by providing an independent civilian oversight structure.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of county civilian complaint review boards (CCCRBs): Each county would be required to establish a civilian body empowered to review complaints regarding county law enforcement officers.
  • Scope of authority: The boards would handle civilian complaints alleging misconduct or improper police practices and would have the authority to investigate, review, and provide determinations or recommendations regarding these complaints.
  • Composition and appointment: The bill outlines composition requirements for the boards, including terms of appointment and qualifications for civilian members. (Exact numbers and criteria would be specified in the statute text.)
  • Procedural framework: The bill would specify processes for filing complaints, timelines for investigations, standards of proof or evidence considerations, and the manner in which findings and recommendations are communicated to complainants, law enforcement agencies, and, where applicable, county legislators.
  • Powers and remedies: The CCCRBs would typically have the authority to:
    • Open, review, and, in some cases, initiate investigations into complaints.
    • Issue anonymized or public findings and recommendations.
    • Refer cases for further internal review, administrative action, or disciplinary consideration by the relevant county agency or police department.
  • Transparency and reporting: Requirements for annual or periodic reporting to the public and to county oversight bodies, including summaries of complaints received, investigations conducted, and actions taken.
  • Protection and rights of complainants and officers: Provisions to safeguard the rights of both complainants and officers during investigations and proceedings.

Who would be affected

  • County law enforcement agencies: Subject to oversight, review, and potential recommendations from the CCCRBs. Agencies may need to adjust internal procedures to align with board processes.
  • Civilian residents within the county who file or are involved in complaints about law enforcement conduct.
  • Board members and staff who would operate the CCCRBs, including training and administrative support requirements.
  • County governments that would establish and fund the boards, manage reporting requirements, and oversee implementation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment and implementation: The bill creates a framework that counties would adopt. It likely includes phased implementation timelines, including initial appointment of board members, development of operating procedures, and commencement of complaint intake.
  • Interim standards: There may be transitional provisions guiding how existing complaints are handled during the transition to a CCCRB system.
  • Coordination with existing processes: The bill would specify how CCCRB findings interact with internal investigation units, district attorney offices, and court proceedings, as well as any parallel or superseding authorities.

Notes on status and context

  • The bill was referred to the Corrections committee on January 21, 2026, indicating initial committee consideration and potential subsequent stages (e.g., hearings, amendments, floor votes).
  • Co-sponsors include Gabriella Romero, Dana Levenberg, Phil Steck, and Al Taylor, signaling bipartisan or cross-ideological support within certain legislative groups.

This summary reflects the described provisions and purpose based on the bill’s title and available action history. For exact language, definitions, thresholds, and procedural details, please consult the bill text as filed in the NY Legislature.

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

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