Bill > S00856

This bill amends the New York State correction law to increase the number of members on the state commission of correction from three to nine, with appointments coming from multiple sources: three appointed by the governor, two by the speaker of the assembly, two by the temporary president of the senate, and two by the correctional association. The bill requires that the commission's membership include diverse professional backgrounds, such as a formerly incarcerated person, a public health professional, a behavioral healthcare professional, an attorney experienced in indigent criminal defense or prisoner's rights, and other professionals who can contribute to an efficient and humane correctional system. The members will serve five-year terms, with staggered initial terms for the newly added positions, and no member can serve more than ten years. The members will be required to devote full time to their duties and cannot hold other salaried public positions. Each year, the commission members will select a chairperson from among themselves, replacing the previous system where the governor solely designated the chair. The bill also specifies that members can be removed by their original appointing authority for cause, after being given an opportunity to defend themselves.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S856