Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is in opposition to efforts from the Majority in the Legislature to prematurely parole inmates from prison if they have reached the age of 55. The bill would allow criminals, despite the length of their sentenced incarceration, to be eligible for parole after 15 years in prison. The language in the Majority’s bill, A.4319, could apply to violent criminals and murderers.

“The Majority is playing a dangerous game with their legislation that would allow the parole of 55-year-old criminals from prison, including violent felons and murderers,” said Friend. “The Majority keeps spinning a tale of how this is meant to help non-violent offenders, however, their bill has the potential to release dangerous individuals right back into our communities when they should be serving out their sentence. In these instances, we must think of the victims and the general public’s safety first.”

Friend points to a growing trend in the state where the concerns of criminals are placed before those of law-abiding citizens. Proposals by the Majority have included pay raises for criminals, allowing felons to serve on juries, electronic tablets for inmates and more.

“It just shows the kind of out-of-touch world the Majority is in when we see such proposals. We really must stay focused on efforts to keep our communities safe,” concluded Friend.