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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — Monday, the legislature passed another budget extender, two weeks past the original budget deadline. The new deadline is April 17.
Some lawmakers said negotiating changes to the bail law continues to consume most of the oxygen in the room.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposals on bail in her original budget plan include eliminating the least restrictive means–a standard for judges to set bail.
Some lawmakers who support Hochul’s proposal said judges need more discretion to set bail.
“We think that dangerousness standard needs to be part of it and give judges the discretion they need to keep our communities safe,” said Assembly Member Phil Palmesano (R-Corning).
While other disagree–saying bail does not contribute to levels of crime.
“This is the difficulty that you have in trying to deal with a perception problem when the data is up all across the nation even in states that have a dangerousness standard, they have pre-trial detention—none of those things have been able to solve the issue of crime going down,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Assembly District 83).
Heastie also said the legislature has not made any significant progress on negotiation conversations surrounding bail.
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