Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced he is
advancing comprehensive reforms to streamline the process for
incarcerated individuals to return to the community upon release from
prison. The reforms will help improve access to jobs and licenses,
expand eligibility for merit release and limited credit time allowances,
create a new "geriatric parole" provision, and reduce financial burdens
after release. The proposal is part of the Governor's five-pronged
reform package to overhaul the State's criminal justice system as part
of the FY 2019 Budget.
"These reforms promote both public safety and the rehabilitation of individuals who have paid their debt to society," Governor Cuomo said. "By
eliminating outdated and unnecessary barriers to opportunity, we will
help these individuals reintegrate into their communities, break the
vicious cycle of recidivism and create a safer, fairer New York for
all."
"Criminal justice reform is a top priority in
New York and this proposal is yet another step in the right direction
toward attaining that goal," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
"Together, we can eliminate the stigma of criminality and provide a
positive and encouraging re-entry experience to those who wish to return
to society a better version of themselves than when they left it."
Remove Bans on Occupational Licensing
Expanding
on existing laws outlawing blanket employment discrimination against
people with criminal convictions, the Governor's proposal removes
outdated bans in occupational licensing for professions outside of law
enforcement. Applicants for these licenses will instead be assessed on
an individualized basis. Eliminating these antiquated bans will
effectively increase the number of occupational fields formerly
incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to enter, promote economic
stability after release, and aid in successful re-entry into society.
Click here for the full announcement.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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