Today, Assembly Member O’Donnell led an Assembly Correction Committee hearing on the parole process in New York State. He was joined by Assembly Members Aubrey, Giglio, Ortiz, and Sepulveda. The legislators heard testimony from Parole Board Chairwoman Tina Stanford, as well as Anthony Annucci, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The Members also heard from leaders in the field of correctional reform and law, in addition to former Chairpersons and Commissioners of the Board of Parole.

O’Donnell’s concerns focused on his desire to ensure impartial treatment by the Board of Parole and create effective parole policies where necessary. After the hearing, he elaborated:

As I mentioned during today’s hearing, I am committed to reforming New York State’s parole process so all New Yorkers have equal and just opportunities for release when appropriate. Today’s hearing begins the process towards achieving that goal. We must work toward a smarter parole process with increased parole release for those who have served their time, been successfully rehabilitated, and pose little risk to the public. It is essential that we also aid these men and women with their successful re-entry back to society.

Assembly Member O’Donnell thanks all the attendees of today’s hearing and looks forward to addressing the issues mentioned today during the upcoming Assembly session.