NY Gov Kathy Hochul Proposes Early Release for Thousands of Violent Offenders
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing a controversial plan that would allow thousands of inmates convicted of violent crimes to become eligible for early release, according to a report by the New York Post.
Currently, the state’s merit-time program permits non-violent offenders to reduce their sentences by earning degrees or completing vocational training. Hochul’s proposal would expand the program to include certain violent offenders who meet specific requirements.
The governor’s office informed the state legislature that over 4,000 inmates could potentially qualify under the revised guidelines. However, a spokesperson later clarified to the Post that the actual number is closer to 3,000, with approximately 1,300 inmates immediately eligible for release if the changes were enacted. The proposal is being debated as part of ongoing budget negotiations between Hochul and legislative leaders over the state’s $252 billion spending plan for the 2026 fiscal year.
Despite coming from within her own administration, the plan has faced sharp criticism from members of Hochul’s own party.
“I personally don’t believe we should be expanding these kinds of opportunities to folks who are incarcerated for serious violent offenses,” said State Senator Jim Skoufis.
“I am not in support to allow (sic) those convicted of violent felonies to be considered for merit time release,” added Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
If enacted, the policy could cut the state’s prison population by as much as 3 percent. The proposal follows recent revelations by the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision that the state’s prison system is currently short about 4,000 staff members.
A spokesperson for the governor emphasized that the plan would not allow early release for individuals convicted of the most serious crimes, such as murder and sex crimes. However, the governor’s office did not specify what violent crimes would be added to the program.
“Governor Hochul will not allow anyone who demonstrates a public safety threat to be released early from prison,” the spokesperson said in a statement, per the New York Post. “A proposal was discussed that would have granted near term merit time release to approximately 3% of the prison population — only if they have excellent disciplinary records and a plan to live a crime-free life outside DOCCS facilities. Under no circumstances will this Administration grant any special privileges to individuals convicted of murder, rape or other sex offenses.”
