(Albany, New York) Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R, C, 143rd District) announced today that he has sponsored a series of bills that would reform the make-up of the New York State Parole Board, mandate certain procedures before granting parole, and eliminate certain heinous acts from being eligible for parole or sentence commutation going forward.

“The role the New York State Parole Board plays in ensuring that justice is served cannot be underestimated, nor can the clemency powers of the Governor,” stated Chludzinski. “The bills I am advancing will ensure future parole boards are more representative of our communities, that the voices of victims and their families will be heard before decisions are made, and that appropriate punishments and deterrents for the most heinous crimes are upheld,” the Assemblyman said.

Assembly bill A4441 requires that of the 19 potential Parole Board members, one must be a current or former member of law enforcement, and the other a crime victim or a crime victim’s representative. This simple requirement will ensure that the vitally important perspectives of those familiar with the crime committed and the impact on victims and our society are represented.

The second bill, A05781, requires that notice be given to crime victims that they have the right to attend interviews between the Parole Board and the individual convicted of the crime. It also mandates that Parole Board members must review victim impact statements before rendering decisions.

“Our criminal justice system has long been guided by the principle of ensuring the rights of crime victims, but these principles no longer seem to be applied with the same consistency,” said Chludzinski. “These important reforms will correct these injustices.”

Two additional bills deal specifically with the duration of sentences regarding two particularly evil crimes. Current state law does not allow for parole for any individual who sexually assaults a child under the age of 14, leading to the child’s death. A05783, would expand that age range to any child under the age of 18. The impetus for this bill comes from a tragic and gruesome case in 1980 where a 16-year-old girl walking home from the library was raped and killed. Both of her murderers have now been paroled.

The remaining bill in Chludzinski’s Parole Reform package, A05800, would remove the power of the Governor to commute the sentence of any individual sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, or who in the commission of a crime causes the death of a police officer or other law enforcement or emergency personnel.

Chludzinski Sponsors Reforms – Add One

“There are some crimes committed that are so abhorrent, and so reprehensible, that justice and ensuring the safety of our residents demands that the perpetrators are never released into society again, and that is the case with these two bills,” said Chludzinski. “Public safety and protecting our citizens are the centerpiece of my career in public service. These are things I promised I would do for crime weary residents. I am pleased to begin fulfilling these commitments with the introduction of these bills,” the Assemblyman concluded.

More information on these bills can be found on Assemblyman Chludzinski’s website.