What's happening
This bill designates uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, Westchester County, as peace officers with firearm restrictions.
Why it matters
Expands legal powers for court officers. By designating uniformed court officers in Ossining as peace officers, the bill gives them enhanced authority, such as the ability to make arrests, issue summonses, and enforce certain laws, which can impact how security and order are maintained in local courts.
Firearm access is restricted. The bill specifically limits court officers’ ability to carry, possess, or use firearms to only those who have received a proper license under state law, which ensures an extra layer of oversight and aims to balance new authority with public safety concerns.
Potential changes for court safety and local governance. The new designation could lead to changes in how the Ossining courts are staffed, how incidents are handled on court property, and may affect training, procedures, and accountability for court officers, with possible implications for both court employees and the public.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Make Ossining Court Officers Peace Officers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 38
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Give Court Officers Peace Status
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Sandy Galef
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4473
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 12, 2019
Introduced by Sen. CARLUCCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to designating uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, county of Westchester as peace officers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new subdivision 85 to read as follows:
85. Employees of the town of Ossining serving as uniformed court officers in the courts of the town of Ossining; provided, however, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize such employees to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license therefore has been issued pursuant to section 400.00 of the penal law.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06360-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to designating uniformed court officers in the town of Ossin- ing, county of Westchester as peace officers
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to grant peace officer status to uniformed court officers in the Town of Ossining.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. A new subdivision 85 is added to Section 2.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law, which would grant peace officer status to employees of the Town of Ossining who are serving as uniformed court officers in the Ossining town courts.
Section 2. Establishes the effective date.
Difference between original and amended version (if applicable)
This portion of this memorandum is not applicable at this time.
Justification
The Town and Village of Ossining have consolidated their court oper- ations in a cost-saving measure for their taxpayers. The newly consol- idated court is a successful example of municipalities sharing services, a top priority for the Governor and State Legislators.Since the consol- idation, however, there can be as many as 120 people in the courtroom at one time. Due to the inherent tension and potential for conflict in a courtroom setting, a Village of Ossining Police Officer has been hired for court sessions at a rate of $65.00 per hour.
This legislation would provide uniformed court officers with peace offi- cer status so that they have the proper training and equipment to main- tain order in the courtroom. Since uniformed court officers have a different job classification, there will be significant cost savings.
Several counties, towns and villages currently have court officers who have the benefit of peace officer status. The Village of Ossining Police will conduct training classes and all uniformed court officers will be required to make annual visits to the rifle range under the supervision of the Village of Ossining Police. Uniformed court officers will comply with all laws regarding firearms, registration and other required permits.
Prior legislative history
A. 6928-A and S. 5862-A of 2017/2018 A. 9330 and S. 6994 of 2013/2014
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
There are no fiscal implications to the State. However, there will be a cost savings to the municipality.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.