West NY News

ALBANY, NY — Senator George Borrello has expressed strong opposition to the advancement of two legislative proposals in Albany, criticizing them as measures that would expedite the release of criminals from prison. The proposals, known as the "Earned Time Act" (S.342) and the "Fair and Timely Parole" bill (S.159), progressed through the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee.

Senator Borrello stated, "These bills are just the latest chapters in the Majority's ongoing crusade to put criminals before the law-abiding public. This isn’t about justice, nor is it about rehabilitation — it’s about dismantling accountability and rewriting the rules to benefit violent offenders, all while making innocent victims and law-abiding New Yorkers pay the price."

The movement of these proposals coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. On this timing, Borrello commented, "It is especially offensive that these bills are moving forward during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. At a time when we should be recognizing the victims and families who’ve suffered from the impact of violent crime, these bills seek to elevate and benefit the perpetrators of crime."

The specific bills under scrutiny are as follows:

• S159, labeled the "Fair and Timely Parole" bill, suggests a softer approach to parole by establishing a presumption of release unless the Parole Board can demonstrate the individual presents a "current and unmanageable risk" to public safety. This would eliminate the consideration of the inmate’s original crime, overall criminal record, and other factors traditionally used by the Board.

• S342, known as the "Earned Time Act," seeks to allow inmates to shorten their sentences by up to 75 percent through good time and merit allowances, irrespective of their crime severity. Unlike existing regulations, removals of credits would not occur for misconduct. These proposed changes would also be retroactive to all current inmates.

Senator Borrello strongly criticized these proposals as detrimental to public safety. He stated, "These bills aren’t just a step backwards — they are the next nail in the coffin of public safety in New York. Since 2019, we’ve seen how the reckless bail reforms have turned our neighborhoods into breeding grounds for crime, and now these bills would only accelerate that trend by making it easier for dangerous criminals to walk free."

He further added, "This is how you deepen a crime crisis, something that the Majority seems determined to do by advancing their radical agenda, no matter the cost to the public."