Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) joins law enforcement organizations in calling for a transparent process in which the flawed bail reform is corrected. As the budget is negotiated there have been hints that a bail reform agreement is being made in the budget; however, this agreement would be hashed out by the three most powerful individuals in the state without any input from rank and file legislators, let alone the public.

“It is business as usual in Albany, where policy is being inappropriately tucked into the budget. We all agree something must be done to correct the problematic and dangerous bail reform, but this is not how it should be done and just harkens to the problems which created the disastrous policy in the first place,” said Friend. “I am eager to correct bail reform, but in a transparent manner that engages experts and the public.”

The assemblyman and organizations such as the New York State Sheriffs’ Association are reiterating the need for law enforcement, the public and other interested parties to be able to provide input to help shape a new solution to the bail reform problem. As of yet, there is no final budget agreement between the governor, the speaker of the Assembly and the Senate majority leader.