WeVote

Bill

Bill

S 6835

Relates to criminal contempt

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Rolison

S 6835 aims to clarify and potentially modify criminal contempt definitions, penalties, and procedures for obstructing court orders in New York.

REFERRED TO CODES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 6835

Summary of S 6835 — Relates to criminal contempt

Overview

  • Bill number: S 6835
  • Title: Relates to criminal contempt
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES (New York State Senate Committee on Codes)
  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Robert Rolison
  • Related/companion: Assembly bill A 7623 (listed as the companion; appears twice in the provided record)

Notes: The available information does not include the bill’s full text or specific statutory changes. The content below reflects the metadata, the bill’s stated focus, and typical implications of legislation dealing with criminal contempt. For precise provisions, the official bill text should be consulted.

What the bill is generally about

  • Based on the title, S 6835 is intended to address criminal contempt—i.e., conduct that disrespects, disobeys, or obstructs the authority of the courts or other bodies empowered to issue lawful orders. The bill’s placement in the Codes Committee suggests it would modify or clarify criminal contempt statutes or related enforcement procedures within the state’s code.
  • The companion Assembly bill A 7623 indicates parallel legislation in the Assembly that would align with the Senate measure, though the exact provisions are not provided here.

Potential provisions and changes (subject to the actual text)

Because the full text is not provided, possible areas such bills typically address include:
- Definitions: Clarifying what constitutes criminal contempt (willful disobedience of a court order, obstruction of justice, interference with court operations, etc.).
- Penalties and sanctions: Adjusting fines, jail terms, or alternative sanctions for contempt offenses.
- Procedures: Rules governing contempt hearings, evidentiary standards, and safeguards for due process.
- Enforcement powers: Clarifying who may issue or enforce contempt orders and under what circumstances.
- Remedies and relief: Provisions for cure or remediation when a contempt finding is challenged or appealed.
- Interaction with civil contempt: Distinctions between civil and criminal contempt, and the thresholds for each.
- Protections for rights: Ensuring constitutional protections (e.g., due process, right to counsel) are preserved in contempt proceedings.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Courts and judicial officials: Any changes to the enforcement of contempt orders or procedures would directly affect court operations.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Potential changes to how contempt cases are charged, prosecuted, or penalized.
  • Defendants and respondents: Adjustments to penalties, procedures, or remedies could alter risk and process in contempt cases.
  • Legal practitioners: Attorneys representing parties in contempt proceedings would need to adjust to revised standards or procedures.
  • Victims and witnesses: Indirect effects through any changes in enforcement or penalties.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Current status: Referred to Codes, indicating the bill is in the committee stage and has not yet advanced to floor action.
  • Next steps: The bill would require committee hearings, potential amendments, and a floor vote in the Senate. If passed, it would move to the Assembly (via the companion A 7623) for consideration or further action.
  • Timeline: No specific dates beyond the introduction date are provided; committee action timelines vary.

How to read the official text

For precise provisions, consult:
- The official New York State Legislature website bill page for S 6835
- The Assembly companion bill page for A 7623
- Any introduced amendments or floor reports issued by the Codes Committee

This summary reflects the metadata and likely implications of a bill titled “Relates to criminal contempt” as of its March 25, 2025 introduction.

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

Sign in to ask a question.