Bill > A05948

This bill modifies New York State's medical parole laws to change how incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions can be considered for early release. The bill updates language to use more inclusive terminology and adjusts the criteria for medical parole eligibility. Specifically, it changes the standard for medical parole from whether an individual is "physically or cognitively incapable of presenting any danger to society" to whether they are "severely restricted in their ability to self-ambulate or to perform significant normal activities of daily living." The bill applies to two types of medical parole: one for terminally ill individuals and another for those with significant non-terminal medical conditions. It maintains existing restrictions for individuals convicted of certain serious crimes, such as first-degree murder. The bill also establishes a process where the parole board must review medical certification within 30 days, grant medical parole for six-month periods, require ongoing medical examinations, and have the ability to renew or revoke medical parole based on the individual's medical condition and potential danger to society. The changes aim to provide a more nuanced and compassionate approach to releasing critically ill incarcerated individuals while maintaining public safety considerations.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5948