S.00503

Allows courts to admit evidence of similar crimes in sexual offense cases.

Amends the criminal procedure law to permit the admission of evidence that a defendant committed any other sexual offense in accordance with federal rules of evidence. The evidence may be considered on any matter relevant to the defendant's motive, intent, absence of mistake or accident, a common scheme or plan, or the identity of the person charged. The prosecutor must disclose such evidence to the defendant at least fifteen days before trial. This act takes effect on the sixtieth day after it becomes law and applies to all cases pending on and after such date.