Bill > S00321

This bill amends the New York Executive Law to expand the ability of third parties to provide input during parole release considerations. Specifically, the bill allows any person interested in a discretionary release decision to submit a written statement either supporting or opposing the potential release of an incarcerated individual. These statements would be considered by the parole board, with the board retaining the discretion to exclude information that is deemed irrelevant or unreliable. The bill also makes some minor language changes, such as replacing gendered pronouns (he or she) with the gender-neutral "they". The broader context is that this modification provides an additional mechanism for community members, victims, families, or other interested parties to provide perspective to the parole board when evaluating whether an incarcerated individual should be granted discretionary release. The bill does not mandate that the board follow these statements, but ensures they are given an opportunity to be heard and potentially considered in the decision-making process.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S321