Bill > A03110

This bill expands the eligibility for merit time allowances for incarcerated individuals, modifying existing correction law to provide more opportunities for early release. The bill allows most incarcerated individuals to earn merit time allowances by completing various rehabilitative and educational programs, such as obtaining a GED, completing substance abuse or vocational training programs, performing satisfactorily in skilled job assignments, earning college credits, or performing community service. However, the bill specifically excludes individuals serving sentences for certain serious crimes, including first-degree murder, terrorism, incest, aggravated harassment of an employee, and other specified violent or sexual offenses. The legislation also removes previous restrictions on merit time eligibility related to specific sentencing provisions and repeals a section of the correction law concerning limited credit time allowances. The changes will apply to individuals currently in custody, those sentenced on or after the effective date, and those who have not completed their sentences, with the goal of incentivizing rehabilitation and providing more opportunities for incarcerated individuals to reduce their time in prison through positive programming and personal development.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3110