What's happening
This bill requires that inmates who have successfully completed two years of uninterrupted temporary release be granted parole.
Why it matters
Creates a clear, objective pathway to parole. By mandating parole for inmates who complete two uninterrupted years in a temporary release program, the bill reduces the subjectivity of parole board decisions for this group.
Incentivizes good behavior and rehabilitation. Knowing that successful participation in temporary release can guarantee parole may motivate inmates to comply with rules, engage in rehabilitation, and avoid disciplinary issues.
Potential system-wide impact. This change could reduce prison populations and ease overcrowding, while also shifting correctional resources toward supporting temporary release programs and reentry preparation.
Raises questions about public safety and oversight. Automatic parole for these individuals may prompt debate about whether two years of temporary release is a sufficient indicator of readiness for full community reintegration, and could lead to calls for additional support or monitoring post-release.
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Who cares
Inmates participating in temporary release programs
The bill would require parole for those who successfully participate for two uninterrupted years immediately before their parole board appearance.
New York State Board of Parole
The board would have to grant parole to qualifying inmates notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of Executive Law section 259-i(2).
Prisoner advocacy groups
The bill would establish a mandatory path to parole based on successful, uninterrupted participation in temporary release for the specified two-year period.
Headline styles
Guarantee Parole After Work Release
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Ordered to third reading cal.160
- Advanced to third reading cal.292
- Reported
- Reported referred to codes
- Referred to correction
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Automatic Parole After Two Years
In Senate Committee · Crime Victims, Crime And Correction · Sponsor Luis R. Sepúlveda
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4234
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 1, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. WEPRIN, O'DONNELL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Correction
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to procedures for the conduct of the work of the state board of parole
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 259-i of the executive law is amended by adding a new paragraph (f) to read as follows:
(f) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subdivision, an inmate who has successfully participated in a temporary release program for two years without interruption immediately prior to his or her board appearance shall be granted parole.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07257-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.