The New York State Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that allows victims of vehicle‑related offenses to speak at court proceedings even if originally charged felonies are pled down to misdemeanors.

Senator Murray told the chamber victims often lose a chance to be heard when felony cases are reduced to misdemeanors, and praised the bill for giving survivors “a voice.” “Sometimes victims of crimes in New York State feel victimized again when they feel like they don't have a voice,” Murray said on the floor.

Senator Stavisky, sponsor of the bill, said the measure ensures survivors have the opportunity to speak in court and described the change as an important step in the healing process. The clerk recorded the final vote as 56 ayes and the bill passed.

On the floor, senators framed the change as a procedural correction to criminal procedure rules that provides victims with an opportunity to address the court during plea or disposition proceedings that previously might not have included victim allocution after a plea reduction.