S8977

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring law enforcement to conduct lethality assessments when responding to domestic violence calls, aiming to identify victims at highest risk for intimate partner homicide. Senate Print 8977, sponsored by Sen. Webb, passed on a 60-0 vote. The bill mandates that officers include the assessment in domestic incident reports and refer victims to local domestic violence programs and the state hotline. Officers may also file for Extreme Risk Protection Orders based on the assessment results. Sen. Webb cited 2021 data showing that one-third of female murder victims were killed by intimate partners, compared to 6 percent of male victims. Research shows lethality assessments reduce female homicides by 40 percent and empower victims to take self-protective steps, including removing weapons and establishing safety plans. Sen. Rolison noted that Dutchess County has used the tool since 2014, resulting in a 49 percent increase in victims contacting advocates at the scene. The bill brings New York in line with Maryland, Florida, and Utah, which already employ similar assessments.