Preconsidered Res. No.
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S.4795/A.5959, requiring at least one member of the State Board of Parole be a formerly incarcerated person.
By Council Member Nurse
Whereas, The New York State Board of Parole (“the Board”) determines whether to release eligible incarcerated individuals based on their rehabilitation and readiness to rejoin society; and
Whereas, Every year, between 10,000 and 12,000 people in New York State appear before the Board to make their case for release, according to multiple sources; and
Whereas, The Board has been criticized for not releasing enough incarcerated people who are up for parole and approximately 60 percent of parole applications were denied as of December 2023, according to New York Focus; and
Whereas, Pursuant to section 259-b of the New York Executive Law, the Board is comprised of up to nineteen members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, and each member must have a degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least five years of experience in fields such as criminology, law enforcement, corrections or psychology; and
Whereas, There is no requirement that the Board include a formerly incarcerated individual; and
Whereas, The Board would benefit from the perspective and insights of someone who has directly experienced the challenges of incarceration, rehabilitation and reintegration and therefore has a unique understanding of the needs and concerns of those seeking parole; and
Whereas, A formerly incarcerated person could offer invaluable insight and perspective into the complexities of the criminal justice system and contribute to promoting fairness and empathy within the parole decision-making process, ultimately leading to more informed and just outcomes; and
Whereas, S.4795, introduced by Senator Cordell Cleare and pending in the New York State Senate, and its companion bill A.5959, introduced by Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and pending in the New York State Assembly, would amend section 259-b of the Executive Law to require the governor to appoint at least one formerly incarcerated person to the Board.; and
Whereas, S.4795/A,5959 would help ensure that the Board represents a diverse range of viewpoints and promote fairness in parole decision-making; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S.4795/A.5959, requiring at least one member of the State Board of Parole be a formerly incarcerated person.
CMB/NEM
LS#16696
4/18/24