Bill > S06642

This bill establishes a temporary New York State Commission to End Mass Incarceration and to Prevent Violence, which will comprehensively investigate and make recommendations about reducing the state's prison population and violent crime rates. The 17-member commission, appointed by various state leaders including the governor, will conduct in-depth research into critical criminal justice issues, examining topics such as racial inequities in the justice system, sentencing reforms, drug policy impacts, policing practices, community prevention strategies, and systemic barriers that contribute to mass incarceration. The commission's mandate is informed by stark national statistics, including the fact that the United States has the world's largest prison population despite not having a proportionally higher crime rate, with African Americans being incarcerated at significantly higher rates than whites. By December 2026, the commission will submit a public report to state leadership with findings and potential legislative recommendations aimed at promoting justice, reducing prison populations, and enhancing public safety through holistic, data-driven approaches to criminal justice reform.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6642