New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08108

Introduced
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  

Caption

Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

Impact

This act is significant as it alters the executive law to establish a formalized structure for reviewing cases of civil rights violations linked to unsolved murders. The bill provides an appropriated budget of two million dollars annually to facilitate investigations and manage expenses associated with these cases. A yearly report by the Attorney General detailing the progress and findings of the investigations will be required, promoting transparency and ongoing oversight of the civil rights enforcement function.

Summary

Bill A08108, known as the "Malcolm X Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2025," seeks to address and investigate unsolved civil rights murders that occurred in the state of New York prior to December 31, 1979. The bill mandates that the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Bureau will take responsibility for these investigations, emphasizing timely and thorough processing due to the age of potential witnesses and the time elapsed since the crimes. The act aims at ensuring justice for historical civil rights violations, which have often remained unanswered.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to address past injustices, it may also raise concerns about resource allocation and priorities in the current justice system. Some critics may worry about diverting funds from other pressing law enforcement needs or fear that the resources allocated may not lead to substantial results if the evidence in many of these cases is minimal or decades old. However, supporters view this initiative as crucial for rectifying historical wrongs, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the justice system.

Companion Bills

NY S01990

Same As Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

Previously Filed As

NY S01990

Establishes the "Malcom X unsolved civil rights crime act"; requires the assistant attorney of the civil rights bureau to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred not later than December thirty-first, nineteen seventy-nine, and resulted in a death.

NY A10434

Establishes the "public civil rights accountability act" in relation to requiring civil rights compliance certification and training for public employees.

NY S08137

Enacts the "civil justice protection act (CJPA)"; requires that no person shall waive a series of rights and procedures when purchasing goods and services.

NY A08857

Enacts the "civil justice protection act (CJPA)"; requires that no person shall waive a series of rights and procedures when purchasing goods and services.

NY HB641

Establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations.

NY A09300

Establishes the "free speech protection act"; prevents the transfer of information on legal protest activities to the federal government; establishes a civil right of action for violations of the act.

NY HB284

Establish an interim committee to investigate civil rights violations and censorship within the MUS

NY S09928

Relates to the rights of sexual assault survivors during the investigative process; establishes a task force to study and assess sexual assault survivors' rights and services.

NY A11064

Relates to the rights of sexual assault survivors during the investigative process; establishes a task force to study and assess sexual assault survivors' rights and services.

NY A10422

Requires that any sanction or civil penalty imposed by the public service commission be returned to the rate payers by means of a direct bill credit, as soon as practically feasible or no later than ninety days.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.