New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07696

Introduced
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Engrossed
6/4/25  

Caption

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

Impact

The amendment is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of the judiciary by providing a pathway for experienced former judges to contribute to the court system without the formalities of reinstatement. By enabling these individuals to serve as judicial hearing officers, S07696 is intended to expedite proceedings and mitigate any backlog in cases, particularly in housing disputes which are often time-sensitive.

Summary

Bill S07696, introduced by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, proposes amendments to the judiciary law regarding the designation of former judges as judicial hearing officers in New York. Specifically, it allows individuals who have previously served as state-paid judges or as housing judges in the New York City civil court to apply for re-designation as judicial hearing officers after leaving their judicial positions. This change aims to leverage the experience of former judges to enhance the efficiency of court operations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance judicial efficiency, there may be points of contention regarding the criteria for eligibility and the potential implications for current judges. There could be concerns about the perceived appropriateness of allowing former judges to take on roles that interact with ongoing judicial processes, as this may raise questions about impartiality or the influence of prior positions on current judgments. Additionally, there may be discussions around how this aligns with broader judicial reform initiatives and the use of resources within the New York court system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S10142

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

NY S09276

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY A10355

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY H5892

Protects the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

NY S0581

Protect the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

NY A10577

Requires the reporting of completed judicial training as mandated by part 17 of the rules of the chief judge of the New York state unified court system.

NY HB1403

Courts; service by judges, justices, court officers, and other individuals as a judge advocate in certain capacities; provide

NY A07952

Requires judges or justices in a court that exercises criminal jurisdiction, including town and village justices, family court judges, and justices of the supreme court who regularly handle matrimonial matters, and court clerks of such courts to attend a program approved by the chief administrator of the courts addressing issues relating to domestic violence totaling at least ten hours every two years; requires law enforcement officers to complete ten hours of domestic violence training every two years.

NY S08192

Directs the legislature to ensure that the number of judges and justices in districts and courts is sufficient; directs the chief administrator of the courts to report on the sufficiency of the number of judges and justices in each court and to make recommendations on such numbers.

NY HB1363

Relating to implicit bias training for justices and judges of state courts, judicial officers, certain court personnel, and attorneys licensed to practice law in this state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.