Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and local partners in law enforcement touted meaningful improvements to bail reform laws that were included in the recently adopted state budget. Recognizing the need for key fixes to the 2019 statute, Senator Skoufis became an early and vocal advocate for incorporating revisions to ensure public safety. As of Friday evening, several key provisions that Skoufis went to bat for were enacted and are being touted by local communities and law enforcement alike.
“Addressing the public safety challenges that stemmed from bail reform wasn’t just a logical policy imperative, it was an absolute necessity for the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Skoufis. “As lawmakers, we have an obligation to strike a rational balance between protecting our communities and protecting the Constitutional rights of New Yorkers who are innocent until proven guilty, and I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished in collaboration with law enforcement to better deliver on just that.”
Skoufis secured the following public safety improvements:
- Repeat petit larceny offenses will now trigger bail-eligibility to ensure alleged criminals are no longer able to steal unabated;
- A loophole was closed to ensure repeat offenses that occur in between a defendant’s arrest and their arraignment are bail-eligible;
- Judges may now consider a charge’s dangerousness and a defendant’s criminal history when determining the “least restrictive” means to reasonably ensure a return to court;
- Hate crimes will be newly arrest-eligible;
- A major felony will be triggered once an individual trafficks three guns – down from ten;
- Defacing a firearm will be newly bail-eligible;
- Bringing a firearm onto school grounds will be newly arrest-eligible;
- Selling a firearm to a minor will be newly bail-eligible;
- A technical fix was made to the “raise the age” statute to ensure a case cannot be dismissed if a 17 year-old is charged but turns 18 years-old while the case is pending;
- Cases can no longer be dismissed if there is a delay in handing over minor or inconsequential evidence to the defendant pursuant to the state’s discovery laws;
- Judges will have new discretion to mandate treatment for defendants suffering from mental illness, both ensuring those individuals get the care they need while simultaneously keeping our communities safe.
New York State Troopers PBA President Thomas Mungeer said: “James Skoufis is committed to keeping New Yorkers safe – he was a leader in the effort to ensure repeat offenders are better held accountable and spearheaded the successful endeavor to crack down on gun crimes. I am grateful for his work and ongoing commitment to public safety.”
Middletown Chief of Police John Ewanciw said: “I am grateful to Senator Skoufis for doing right by the Hudson Valley. His work will mean fewer criminals on the street, period. These reforms will allow my team and me to better protect our community.”
Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said: “Hudson Valley residents can be confident that their communities will be safer as a result of Senator Skoufis’ efforts to make common sense revisions to bail reform. While there is always more work to do, I am grateful for his partnership on this critical issue.”
Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville said: “The people I serve look to law enforcement to keep their families safe. Senator Skoufis delivered on his promise to make important improvements to the law in the interest of public safety, and I thank him for his work.”