1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As per the Rochester Police Locust Club press release dated April 8, 2025, as follows: It is critical that the Greater Rochester community knows about the latest criminal justice “reforms” being contemplated in Albany because it is more bad news for those of us who are sick and tired of the Hochul administration and the Democratic legislative majority passing out favors to criminals. Two proposed bills have passed committee in the Senate, which are absolutely appalling. The first, S.342, proposes to allow inmates to reduce up to 75% of their sentences through a recalculation of time served, no matter the nature of their crime or the length of their sentence. This includes violent felons, sex offenders, and other dangerous offenders who would see their sentences drastically reduced. Shockingly, S.342’s primary sponsor is Senator Jeremy Cooney, representing western Monroe County. There is absolutely no way that his proposed bill reflects the values and priorities of the citizens of his district. Senator Cooney should be ashamed of himself for putting criminals ahead of his constituents. The second proposed bill, S.159, would dramatically change the parole process for state prison inmates. Instead of the inmate having to demonstrate why they deserve release to parole, it would now be presumed that the inmate should be released unless the Parole Board can prove the inmate poses an unreasonable risk to public safety. Read that again—it would now be presumed that inmates eligible for parole should be automatically released! The Locust Club is disgusted and dismayed at these outrageous “reforms.” These proposed bills put law-abiding citizens in even more danger, especially when coupled with the already disastrous effects of Bail Reform, Discovery Reform, Raise the Age, Less is More, and all other ridiculous affronts to law and order in New York State. When will enough finally be enough? Citizens are encouraged to contact their State Senator or Assemblyperson right away.