Advocates for criminal justice reform in New York are pushing for changes to the state’s parole system in 2025. They are rallying for the passage of legislation that would allow for parole release for incarcerated individuals who are 55 and older and have served at least 15 consecutive years in prison. Additionally, they are advocating for a bill that would shift the focus of parole boards towards evaluating the rehabilitation of applicants rather than their original crimes.
The advocacy efforts come in the midst of increased attention on who receives shortened prison terms or pardons, with recent high-profile cases such as President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter and President-elect Donald Trump pledging to pardon Capitol rioters. The reforms being proposed in New York relate to individuals serving state sentences, with over 10,000 people over the age of 50 currently in state prisons, the majority being Black and Latino.
Advocates have met with state legislative leaders and expressed optimism about the chances for the bills to pass with growing support within the Legislature. They emphasize the importance of promoting rehabilitation, reuniting families, and improving safety by assessing an individual’s readiness for release on a case-by-case basis. Formerly incarcerated individuals, crime victims, and even former district attorneys are among those supporting the proposed reforms, highlighting the need for a more equitable and rehabilitative approach to the parole system.
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