Bill > S07503

This bill authorizes New York courts to reduce or modify sentences for certain incarcerated individuals when the original sentence is deemed to be longer than necessary to achieve the purposes of sentencing. Specifically, the bill allows eligible individuals to file a motion for sentence reduction if they meet several criteria: they are convicted of a felony, have served at least one-third of their sentence, are more than two years away from conditional release, and are not serving time for certain serious violent or terrorism-related offenses. When considering such a motion, the court must evaluate principles of rehabilitation, punishment, and deterrence, and can take into account factors like the individual's age, personal circumstances, institutional record, and participation in educational or vocational programs. If the court determines the original sentence is excessive, it can modify the sentence to a lesser term while ensuring public safety. The bill also provides that individuals denied relief can bring a new motion after three years, and any sentence modification does not affect the underlying conviction. Importantly, defendants cannot be required to waive their eligibility for this potential sentence reduction as part of a plea agreement, making the provision a potential avenue for more individualized and rehabilitative sentencing.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7503