Bill > A01843

This bill proposes to create a pathway for early parole release for incarcerated individuals where substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in their original offense. Under the new provisions, inmates can become eligible for early release to community supervision after completing half of their minimum incarceration period, provided they have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program within the correctional facility and have maintained a drug-free record for at least two years. The bill establishes specific criteria for determining whether substance abuse was a significant factor in the offense, including court findings, departmental reviews, or convictions involving drug or alcohol use. Importantly, this early release option does not apply to individuals sentenced for A-I felonies (except certain drug-related offenses) or violent felony offenses. The parole board will consider standard parole factors and any additional evidence submitted by the applicant when evaluating early release. Additionally, the bill allows courts more discretion in recognizing substance abuse as a contributing factor during sentencing for controlled substance offenses, potentially enabling more targeted treatment approaches. The legislation is designed to provide rehabilitation opportunities for individuals whose criminal behavior was substantially influenced by substance abuse issues.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1843