Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Sarah Clark’s life-saving legislation (S2280C/A4899C) passed the Assembly on May 29 with the support of domestic violence advocates and bipartisan legislative partners. The bill requires law enforcement officers to conduct a lethality assessment as part of the standardized Domestic Incident Report when responding to incidents of domestic violence, providing officers with a proven tool to identify victims who may be at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide. This lifesaving legislation now awaits the Governor’s signature. 

Inspired by the tragic loss of victims such as Gabby Petito and countless others whose warning signs went unrecognized, this legislation aims to strengthen New York's response to domestic violence by ensuring that risk factors for intimate partner homicide are identified consistently and addressed immediately. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate on February 24, 2026, and now heads to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Lethality assessments are evidence-based screening tools used by law enforcement to evaluate the level of danger facing a victim during a domestic violence incident. By asking a standardized series of questions and immediately connecting high-risk victims with local domestic violence service providers, officers can help ensure that individuals receive critical support during some of the most dangerous moments in an abusive relationship.

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. Studies have found that combining on-scene risk assessment with immediate access to victim services can significantly reduce the likelihood of fatal outcomes. One recent study found that the use of lethality assessments reduced female homicides committed by male intimate partners by nearly 40 percent. Through early intervention, safety planning, and connection to community resources, lethality assessments can provide victims with information and support that may ultimately save their lives.

The legislation establishes a uniform statewide standard for the use of lethality assessments, ensuring consistency in how domestic violence incidents are evaluated and documented across New York. It also requires training for law enforcement officers on the proper administration of the assessment and mandates that assessment information be incorporated into Domestic Incident Reports. Standardized reporting will improve information-sharing, strengthen accountability, and provide a clearer picture of risk factors in cases involving repeated law enforcement intervention.

Several communities across New York, including Broome, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties, have already implemented lethality assessment programs with positive results. By expanding this practice statewide and providing uniform guidance through the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, New York can better equip law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to identify high-risk situations, connect victims to services, and prevent future tragedies.

“Lethality assessments save lives. They give law enforcement the proper tools to identify victims at high risk of serious injury or death by their intimate partners, and they help connect these victims with the local resources they need for support,” said Senator Lea Webb. “In my district, Broome County has run a successful pilot program and implemented these screenings to better equip local police and victims with the tools they both need and deserve. Thank you to the Senate Majority Leader, Assemblymember Clark for her partnership and leadership on this issue, OPDV, advocates, and the Petito family for their advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors here in New York and across the country. I am so thankful that this important legislation has finally passed the Assembly, and I know that this will benefit people across our entire state.”

Said Assemblymember Sarah Clark, “Domestic violence is a reality for far too many New Yorkers, and when warning signs are missed, the consequences can be devastating. This legislation will give law enforcement officers across our state a proven, evidence based tool to identify victims who may be at the highest risk of serious injury or death and connect them with critical support services before violence escalates.  I fought hard to pass this legislation to ensure every community has access to the tools, information and resources needed to protect victims and prevent future tragedies. By establishing a uniform statewide standard for lethality assessments, we are strengthening protections for survivors, improving coordination and training between law enforcement and service providers, and ultimately saving lives. I am proud to partner with Senator Webb on this important legislation and grateful to the advocates, survivors, and law enforcement professionals in Rochester and across New York who helped move it forward. Passing this bill is a significant step toward building a safer New York for survivors of domestic violence and their families.”

Said Joseph Petito, Father of Gabby Petito, “The passage of New York’s Lethality Assessment Bill represents a significant step forward in protecting victims of domestic violence and saving lives. Far too often, warning signs of escalating violence are missed, leaving victims without the intervention and support they desperately need. This legislation helps ensure that law enforcement officers have a proven tool to identify those at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide and connect them with critical services before it is too late. Research has consistently shown that early identification and intervention can make the difference between life and death. I want to thank Senator Webb and all of the legislators who supported this measure. Their leadership demonstrates a commitment to strengthening victim safety and improving outcomes for families across New York State. As someone who has witnessed the devastating consequences of domestic violence, I believe every step we take to recognize danger earlier and provide victims with access to resources is a step toward preventing future tragedies. I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law and help make New York a leader in proactive victim protection.” 

Said Joan Gerhardt, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “We thank Assemblymember Clark and Senator Webb for their leadership in getting this bill passed by both chambers. The bill is premised on a simple but potentially life-saving proposal: that when responding to domestic violence calls, police should not only intervene, but also assess the risk of future harm to the parties involved. Years of research have demonstrated that past behavior is a powerful predictor of future violence. By asking the right questions, police will get a more complete picture of the context of what is happening and can identify danger even when the victim is unable to articulate the severity of the situation. And then, most critical, the first responder will connect the victim to the local domestic violence service provider, or the state hotline, to ensure the victim has access to emergency safety planning. NYSCADV urges Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law immediately.”

“The passage of this legislation is a great first step for New York State. The Crime Victims Assistance Center participates in the Lethality Assessment program here in Broome County, so we field these screening calls from all seven law enforcement agencies,” said Christine Battisti, Chief Executive Officer, The Crime Victims Assistance Center. “I highly encourage every local law enforcement who will be starting these lethality assessments to connect with your service providers like we do. When our law enforcement initiates the screening calls, CVAC is already on the phone, giving victims immediate access to advocacy and strengthening partnerships between our organization and law enforcement. This partnership allows us to better connect with victims and enhance our follow-up, and I truly cannot emphasize enough how helpful it will be for counties just beginning these assessments.” 

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