New York Assembly Bill A09316

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/10/25
• Refer: 12/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Limits the circumstances under which the case of an adolescent offender may be removed to family court; limits the jurisdiction of family court with respect to certain repeat adolescent offenders.

Summary

Bill A09316 aims to amend existing legislation related to adolescent offenders within the state of New York. Specifically, it seeks to limit the circumstances under which cases involving these offenders can be removed to family court. The existing framework allows for broader circumstances under which adolescent offenders may be tried in family court, but this bill introduces stricter criteria that focus on reducing the number of cases moved to this more lenient judicial setting. Under A09316, the criteria for determining whether an adolescent's case can be moved to family court is narrowed. The bill specifies that certain serious charges, including certain felonies and violent acts, would not be eligible for removal to family court unless the prosecution can establish significant mitigating factors. This shift reflects an effort to balance the need for juveniles to receive appropriate legal consideration with the necessity for public safety and accountability, especially in serious offenses. Notable points of contention surrounding A09316 arise from differing perspectives on juvenile justice. Advocates for reform argue that the bill may unnecessarily penalize adolescent offenders and limit their opportunities for rehabilitation. They express concerns that reducing the scope for moving cases to family court may lead to harsher penalties for young people who may benefit from the more rehabilitative environment that family court provides. Conversely, supporters of the bill contend that it is critical for maintaining public safety by ensuring that serious offenders are held to account within the criminal system. They argue that the bill protects communities from potential recidivism among adolescents who commit serious crimes, thereby reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for tougher stances on juvenile offenders engaged in violent or grave offenses.