S2280A

The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment tool designed to help law enforcement identify victims at highest risk of intimate partner homicide. Senate Print 2280A, sponsored by Sen. Webb, passed on a 57-0 vote. The bill was inspired by the death of Gabby Petito and creates a framework for officers responding to domestic violence calls to assess risk factors and connect victims with local advocates and safety planning resources. Officers may also file for extreme risk protection orders based on the assessment. Sen. Webb cited statistics showing that approximately one-third of female murder victims in 2021 were killed by intimate partners, compared to 6 percent of male victims. Sen. Rolison supported the measure as commonsense legislation, noting that similar assessments had been successfully implemented in Dutchess County since 2010. The bill follows models established in Maryland, Florida, and Utah.