Proposed New York state parole law changes draw mixed reviews
Four bills are being considered in Albany that would amend parole laws, including one which would allow inmates over 55 who have served at least 15 years in prison to be considered for parole.
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A proposed change to prison parole rules has caused some controversy.
Four bills are being considered in Albany that would amend parole laws, including one which would allow inmates over 55 who have served at least 15 years in prison to be considered for parole.
Victims' families and Suffolk officials rallied in Hauppauge on Friday against the bills, saying they could put convicted criminals back on the streets.
"We were told justice had been served, now you want to take that back disguised as parole reform while ignoring the very real pain and trauma families carry forever," said Theresa Bliss, who lost her son to gun violence.
An advocate who supports the bills said she is in favor of accountability, but added that a person should not be defined by the worst moment of their life.
"These bills wouldn't just open the gates and let everybody out," said Caroline Hansen of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign. "People would have to prove that they deserve to come home . . . The board still has the discretion to approve or deny somebody, but it gives them the opportunity to show who they are today, and not who they were 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago."
The proposed bills include the Elder Parole Act, the Fair and Timely Parole Act, the Earned Time Act and the Second Look Act.
