What's happening
This bill requires that incarcerated individuals who complete two uninterrupted years in a temporary release program be granted parole.
Why it matters
Creates a clear and objective pathway to parole. By guaranteeing parole for those who complete two uninterrupted years in a temporary release program, the bill removes some of the current subjectivity and uncertainty from parole decisions, making the process more predictable for incarcerated individuals.
Incentivizes rehabilitation and good behavior. The assurance of parole eligibility can motivate incarcerated individuals to participate in temporary release programs and maintain good conduct, potentially improving prison safety and fostering rehabilitation.
Could reduce prison populations and associated costs. Granting parole to individuals who have already demonstrated successful reintegration through temporary release may help safely lower the number of people in custody, easing overcrowding and reducing state expenditures.
Signals a shift toward evidence-based parole decisions. The legislation recognizes actual performance in structured, real-world settings (temporary release programs) as a meaningful indicator of readiness for release, reflecting modern criminal justice reform principles.
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Who cares
Incarcerated temporary release participants
Those who successfully participate for two uninterrupted years immediately before their parole board appearance would be entitled to parole.
New York State Board of Parole
The bill would require the board to grant parole to qualifying participants, notwithstanding the requirements of Executive Law section 259-i(2)(a).
Temporary release program administrators
Participants’ successful, uninterrupted participation for the two years immediately before a board appearance would determine eligibility for mandatory parole under the bill.
Headline styles
Automatic Parole for Program Graduates
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
- Referred to crime victims, crime and 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.
Guarantee Parole After Successful Release
In Assembly Committee · Correction · Sponsor David Weprin
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
251
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by Sen. SEPULVEDA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and 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 incarcerated individual who has successfully participated in a temporary release program for two years without interruption immediately prior to such incarcerated individual's 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.
LBD00629-01-5
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to procedures for the conduct of the work of the state board of parole
Purpose
Provides that the Board of Parole shall grant parole to an inmate who successfully completes two or more years of a temporary release program.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends section 259-i(2) of the executive law to provide that an inmate who successfully completes two years in a temporary release program shall be released to parole.
Section 2 provides for an effective date. This act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
Some carefully screened inmates are permitted to participate in work release programs. An inmate on work release generally works in his or her home community but must return to prison for nights or weekends or for simple reporting purposes. Inmates on work release hold down jobs but turn their wages over to the superintendents of their correctional facilities to cover any restitution due, child support, commissary expenses and to defray the cost to the Department of the work release program. Any remaining wages they earn are put into savings accounts and given to them upon their release from prison.
While most inmates who successfully complete work release are granted parole when they appear before the Board, some are denied parole because of the nature of their crimes. Any inmate who has successfully completed two or more years of work release without violating the rules should be granted parole because he or she has a demonstrated ability to live and work in the community while abiding by a strict code of conduct. Under community supervision, he or she will still be supervised by DOCCS and will have to report to a community supervision officer on a regular basis. Successful participation in a temporary release program should provide a path to release from custody.
Legislative history
S. 459 of 2023-24; Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction;
S. 2059 of of 2021-22; Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction;
S. 2693 2019-20; Referred to Crime Victims,Crime and Correction;
A. 4047 of 2018,Advanced to third reading Cal.831;
A. 4047 of 2017,Referred to Correction;
A. 2186 of 2016,Referred to Rules;
A. 2186 of 2015,Referred to Codes;
A. 9358 of 2014,Referred to Codes
Fiscal implications
Will save money by providing a step down from incarceration to parole for individuals on work release.
Local fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.