Extends the maximum number of months for the reconsideration of denied applications by the parole board for parole for certain violent felony offenses from 24 months to 60 months.
Summary
A07242 would change New York’s parole reconsideration rules for a narrow set of the most serious felony offenses. Under current law, when parole is denied, the Board of Parole must set a reconsideration date no more than 24 months later. This bill would create an exception for “eligible felony offenses,” extending that maximum reconsideration period to 60 months for people convicted of certain class A felonies, including first-degree murder, aggravated murder, second-degree murder in specified circumstances, predatory sexual assault, and predatory sexual assault against a child.
The bill also updates related parole-release notice provisions. If an incarcerated person is released, the bill requires that they receive written parole conditions, including compliance with restitution and certain fees where applicable, and written notice that voting rights will be restored upon release. The measure applies immediately and is intended to cover both future and currently incarcerated individuals sentenced for an eligible class A felony, subject to the bill’s interaction with existing statutory expiration and reversion language.
Impact
The bill amends section 259-i of the Executive Law, which governs parole interviews, denial notices, and reconsideration timing. Its principal legal effect is to lengthen the maximum interval between parole reconsideration hearings from 24 months to 60 months for a defined set of violent class A felony offenses, while leaving the general 24-month rule in place for other cases. It also reinforces parole-condition notices regarding restitution, mandatory surcharges, sex offender registration fees, DNA databank fees, and restoration of voting rights upon release. The affected parties are incarcerated individuals serving sentences for the listed offenses, the Board of Parole, and agencies responsible for collecting court-imposed financial obligations.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests the bill has support among sponsors and some lawmakers who favor a tougher parole framework for the most serious violent offenses. At the same time, the committee vote indicates meaningful opposition or concern, as the Assembly Ways and Means Committee held the bill for consideration with a 24-10 vote. That pattern suggests the measure is viewed favorably by proponents of longer parole deferrals for serious offenders, but not broadly uncontested.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether people convicted of the listed offenses should face a much longer wait—up to five years—before parole reconsideration after a denial. Supporters are likely focused on public safety and the gravity of the underlying crimes, while opponents may argue the change reduces parole review frequency, limits opportunities for rehabilitation-based reconsideration, and creates a harsher regime for already-incarcerated individuals. The bill’s application to currently incarcerated individuals may also be a point of concern because it would affect people already serving sentences, not just future cases.
Permits the parole board to extend the time for reconsideration of parole for violent felony offenders to forty-eight months from a negative determination.
Enacts "Lorraine's Law"; increases from twenty-four to sixty months, the time for which reconsideration for parole for a violent felony offense shall be determined.
Enacts "Lorraine's Law"; increases from twenty-four to sixty months, the time for which reconsideration for parole for a violent felony offense shall be determined.
Pardons and Paroles Board; increase members on board; further provide for selection of chair; parole consideration guidelines after denial of parole established