Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is fighting back against radical bail reforms passed by the Assembly Majority. The bail reform laws eliminate cash bail and pretrial detention for nearly all misdemeanors and many felonies (A.2009-C).

Come January 2020, these are a few of many offenses that will not be eligible for cash bail: manslaughter in the second degree; making a terroristic threat; promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child; and animal cruelty. Under the bail reform laws, judges’ ability to factor public safety into any bail decision has been taken away. Blankenbush is signing on to new legislation that repeals the bail reform laws.

“Earlier this year, a resident in northern New York was driving 100-mph in a high-speed chase in an attempt to flee from police. Because of his reckless driving, he caused a collision that killed another individual on the road. He then proceeded to resist arrest. He put the lives of our law enforcement in danger and carelessly killed an innocent person. Come January, he would be released with only an appearance ticket,” said Blankenbush. “As your assemblyman, I will continue to fight tooth-and-nail against lawmakers who continue to completely disregard the safety of our children and our families.”