Bill > S05094

This bill modifies New York state law to give the state board of parole more authority to keep violent felony offenders in prison by allowing them to require offenders to serve their maximum sentence if there is clear and convincing evidence that releasing the offender would pose an imminent threat to society. Specifically, the bill amends sections of the penal law and correction law to allow the parole board to prevent conditional release or parole for individuals convicted of violent felony offenses when they determine the release would create an imminent societal risk. The bill also changes the language from gender-specific terms like "he or she" to gender-neutral "they" and allows the parole board to withhold good behavior time allowances for violent felony offenders based on their assessment of potential danger. A "violent felony offense" is defined in section 70.02 of the penal law, and the parole board must make its determination in writing using clear and convincing evidence. The bill aims to enhance public safety by providing additional discretion to keep potentially dangerous offenders incarcerated for their full terms.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5094