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Bill

A 921

Relates to protective orders for juries

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Charles Lavine

Establishes protective orders to shield jurors from threats and harassment, ensuring juror safety and the integrity of jury service.

SIGNED CHAP.31
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 921

Summary: A 921 – Relates to Protective Orders for Juries

Overview

A 921 is a New York Assembly bill titled “Relates to protective orders for juries.” The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, sponsored by Charles Lavine (primary). It progressed through the legislative process and was signed into law, becoming Chapter 31 on February 14, 2025. The bill has a companion in the Senate (S 2674) and a related prior-session Assembly bill (A 6253).

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes or clarifies the use of protective orders to shield jurors from threats, harassment, intimidation, or other conduct that could interfere with or influence jury service. The goal is to ensure the safety of jurors and to safeguard the integrity and impartiality of the jury process by providing a formal mechanism to prevent harmful conduct directed at jurors.

Key provisions (high level)

  • Authorization and scope: The bill creates a framework for courts to issue protective orders related to juries. These orders would define prohibited conduct and specify the persons and circumstances covered.
  • Procedures: Establishes processes for applying for, issuing, modifying, and enforcing protective orders connected to jury service. This likely includes timelines, notice requirements, and standards for issuing such orders.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Provides mechanisms for enforcing protective orders and delineates consequences for violations.
  • Interaction with court operations: Integrates protective orders into the functioning of courts and jury management, including interaction with court personnel, law enforcement, and potentially juror protection protocols.

Note: The available information does not provide the bill’s exact statutory language, definitions, or all procedural details. The above captures the substantive, high-level intent and typical components of a protective-order framework.

Who is affected

  • Jurors and prospective jurors: Primary beneficiaries, receiving enhanced protection during jury service.
  • Courts and court personnel: Responsible for issuing, enforcing, and coordinating protective orders.
  • Law enforcement: Enforce provisions and respond to violations.
  • Prosecutors and defense teams: Must operate within the protective-order framework during jury proceedings.
  • Related stakeholders involved in jury management and safety planning.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Passed Assembly: January 28, 2025
  • Delivered to Senate: January 28, 2025; referred to Rules; subsequent actions in Rules and third reading
  • Passed Senate: February 11, 2025
  • Delivered to Governor: February 12, 2025
  • Signed into law: February 14, 2025 (Chapter 31)

Related bills

  • A 6253 (prior-session)
  • S 2674 (companion)

Overall, A 921 codifies and codifies protective-order protections for jurors, aiming to reduce interference with jury service and strengthen the safety and integrity of the jury process.

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

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