Bail Reform remains hot talking point during 2023 New York Legislative Session
ALBANY, NY- With the 2024 Fiscal Year State Budget aimed to be showcased to New Yorker's Wednesday, February 1, lawmakers say this is the time of year when the legislative session can get intense.
During her State of the State Address earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted several goals and issues she hopes to address in the coming weeks, including bail reform.
She directly acknowledged in her speech that there needs to be change to bail reform, but the answers or solutions have not yet been made clear.
"First of all, you've gotta throw the bail reform out and start all over," said New York Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River). Listen to our latest on-air coverage here:
In response to continuous calls for changes to be made to bail reform, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) introduced a bill that would counter the controversial law.
"My legislation will incentivize New York State to implement policies that correct their massive oversight and hold repeat offenders accountable," Stefanik said. "Iām proud to stand united with local law enforcement and our community members to work to keep Upstate New York and the North Country, and our state of New York, safe.ā
Known as the SERVE Our Communities Act, the bill provides an incentive for states like New York to adopt policies that hold repeat offenders accountable and bolster public safety.
Specifically, the SERVE Our Communities Act would authorize $10 million in anti-recidivism grant funding from the Department of Justice for states that have laws directing courts to consider dangerousness when determining bail or pretrial release.
To receive grant money, states with these laws must also take steps to hire and retain law enforcement or administer a public awareness campaign that combats anti-police sentiment and improves community-police relations.
Image via New York State Government.
