New York Assembly Bill A10474

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/26
• Refer: 3/6/26

Caption

Relates to confidential informants; defines terms; requires the law enforcement agencies which use confidential informants to establish policies and procedures to assess the suitability of using a person as a confidential informant; makes related provisions.

Impact

The passage of A10474 would significantly impact the way law enforcement agencies operate, introducing mandatory assessments to determine the suitability of potential informants based on a variety of factors, including their age, maturity, and potential risk to ongoing investigations. The bill mandates that policies and procedures must include written security measures to safeguard records related to confidential informants and limit access to authorized personnel only, which could enhance accountability and transparency within the agencies.

Summary

Bill A10474 aims to amend the criminal procedure law concerning the use of confidential informants in law enforcement. It introduces a new section, § 60.23, which defines key terms related to confidential informants, such as 'controlled buy' and 'target offender.' The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines and procedures that law enforcement agencies must follow when recruiting and using confidential informants. This is intended to enhance the safety of informants and ensure ethical practices are followed in criminal investigations.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide structured oversight and protection for confidential informants, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Critics could argue that even with these guidelines, the inherent risks of using informants in criminal activities may not significantly change. Additionally, the bill does not grant any legal rights to the informants themselves, which could lead to ongoing debates about their treatment and safety within the justice system.