Gov. Kathy Hochul hopes prisoners will spend time on violent crimes, and are eligible for the program, allowing them to shorten their sentences.
Hochul reports that he would like to allow some violent offenders to qualify for the Merit Time program. This allows non-violent offenders to take a break from writing by completing their degrees or learning their vocational skills.
The governor’s office shares figures that estimate that more than 4,000 prisoners are already qualifying for release as they meet programming requirements.
Spectrum News First reported Earlier this month, Hochul was considering loosening the merit time requirements.
However, some state lawmakers are opposed to early release of potentially dangerous offenders from prison.
“Personally, I don’t think we should expand this kind of opportunity to people who are jailed for serious violent crimes,” Sen. Jim Scorfes (D-Orange) told the Post.
“I do not support allowing those convicted of violent felony to be considered for release of merit time,” said Deputy Marianne Battension, D-Oneida.
Among progressive lawmakers I’m pushing The measure could be that Hochul is delaying it as a way to further reduce the prison population.
DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martasquero told reporters earlier this month that the state prisons lack 4,000 people. This comes after Hochul chose to fire around 2,000 illegally attacking amendment officers earlier this year.
“I think the governor’s motivation is more consistent by using it as a tool to address the uneven staffing ratios that exist in many of these prisons,” Skoufis said.
The proposal does not extend eligibility to those convicted of particularly severe crimes, such as murder or sexual offences.
A spokesman for Hochul did not immediately comment.
Negotiations for the backroom over the state’s $252 billion proposed state budget are quickly moving forward once again as Congress and Hochul largely finalize agreements on her proposal to change the state’s 2019 discovery law.
Lawmakers passed another extension of state funding on Thursday with plans to return next week.
