Bill

A 59

Requires victims be notified of right to make a victim impact statement and allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 4 co-sponsors

New York A 59 requires notifying crime victims of their right to submit a victim impact statement and lets them appear in parole hearings to present it, increasing victim input.

REFERRED TO CODES

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 59

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 59 (2025)

Overview and Purpose

A 59 would strengthen crime victims’ participation in the parole process. Specifically, it requires that victims be notified of their right to submit a victim impact statement (VIS) and permits victims to personally appear at parole hearings to present such statements. The bill aims to give victims a more direct role in parole proceedings and ensure their views are heard in decisions about offenders’ release.

Key Provisions

Notification: Victims must be informed of their right to make a victim impact statement.
Right to appear: Victims would be allowed to personally appear at parole hearings to present their VIS.
Scope and delivery details: The information provided here does not include the exact procedures or timelines for notice or appearance (e.g., notice deadlines, forms of notice, or whether appearance is mandatory or optional). The full bill text would specify these operational details.

Who Is Affected

Victims of offenses for which the offender is eligible for parole.
Parole board proceedings and staff who conduct and supervise parole hearings.
Related court and prosecutorial processes may interface with VIS requirements once implemented.

Legislative Status and Timeline

Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Legislative Actions: On January 8, 2025, the bill was referred to the Codes Committee (listed twice in the actions provided).
Next steps: Following referral, the bill would typically move through the Codes Committee for debate, potential amendments, and a vote, before advancing to the full Assembly for consideration. A companion or related Senate measure (e.g., S 630) exists, indicating parallel consideration in the Senate.

Related Legislation

Related or companion measures in prior sessions include S 3154, S 476, S 1781, S 1748, S 2664, S 5220, S 2924, A 9074, A 2724.
A companion Senate measure: S 630 (listed as companion).

Potential Impact and Considerations

Victim Rights and Participation: The bill would formalize and potentially expand victims’ ability to participate in parole hearings by guaranteeing notice of VIS rights and allowing in-person VIS testimony.
Parole Process: Could affect the flow and outcomes of parole hearings by ensuring victim input is explicitly represented in the proceedings.
Administrative Implications: May require additional steps for parole offices to notify victims and accommodate in-person appearances (logistics, security, and scheduling).
Legal and Privacy Considerations: The measure would need to balance victim participation with offender rights and any privacy or safety considerations.

Notes

The description above focuses on the substantive intent and publicly available provisions. The exact language, definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “victim” for purposes of VIS, timing, and methods of notification), and any exceptions would be found in the enacted bill text if approved.

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