“The grand jury is not part of the adjudicative process,” he said. “It’s part of the charging process.”

The proposals face an uncertain future in the Legislature, with a newly elected Republican majority in the Senate and a Democrat-dominated Assembly still reeling from a recent change of leadership. Judge Lippman had a close relationship with Sheldon Silver, the Lower East Side Democrat who stepped aside as the Assembly speaker this month after his arrest on federal corruption charges.

The chief judge’s speech garnered mild reactions in the Capitol.

Mike Whyland, a spokesman for the new speaker, Carl E. Heastie, said that the proposal merited consideration, and that the Assembly would convene hearings on criminal justice this year. A spokesman for the governor noted Mr. Cuomo’s stated commitment to overhauling the grand jury system, adding, “We will continue to work with all who share in these goals.”

In an interview on Tuesday, Judge Lippman said that he had not discussed his proposals with Mr. Heastie or the Republican leader of the Senate, Dean G. Skelos of Long Island. Senator Skelos did not respond to requests for comment.

Initial reaction from New York City’s largest police union suggested that Judge Lippman’s proposed legislation was unwelcome.

“Judges already have a duty and responsibility to review all aspects of grand jury investigations, including instructions for deliberations given by prosecutors,” said Patrick J. Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, who called Judge Lippman’s proposals unnecessary. “The rule of law should apply evenly and fairly to all without exception. There should not be a separate system of justice for police officers.”

In Albany, Judge Lippman said that prosecutors were seen by some as too close to the police to fairly impanel a grand jury inquiry; he envisioned a much more muscular role for judges, who now offer only basic guidance. He suggested that judges be physically present in grand jury rooms in cases of homicide or felony assault of civilians involving the police: making legal rulings, questioning witnesses and rejecting “inadmissible evidence or improper questions.” A judge would also be required to “provide final legal instructions before the grand jury deliberates.”