Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) joined Minority lawmakers from the Assembly and Senate, victims’ rights advocates and members of law enforcement at a rally today in Albany to call for a roll back of dangerous cashless bail laws and the return of judicial discretion so judges have the ability to impose bail for offenders, instead of releasing them before trial.

Gov. Hochul indicated a willingness to tweak New York’s bail laws during this year’s State of the State address. Yesterday’s press conference follows the release of a new Siena College poll showing a majority of both Majority and Minority lawmakers believe crime is a serious problem across the state.

“New York has turned into the wild west with lawlessness and disrespect for police officers replacing safety and cooperation,” Durso said. “Despite the pleas across our state for years, radical Majority lawmakers have doubled down on their position in the name of social justice – an indefensible position. I hope the governor can make good on her recent comments and roll back this dangerous law. New Yorkers deserve safety, first and foremost.”

The press conference featured remarks from Tammy Patrick, whose father, John Lee, was murdered by an individual who was released after an assault charge thanks to New York’s cashless bail laws.