Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) attended a press conference today calling for the repeal of the state’s new bail reform law. Surrounded by Assembly colleagues, law enforcement officials and victims of this new law, Hawley demanded that leaders in Albany put the safety of New Yorkers ahead of their own political agenda.

“Every day that goes by without repeal is another day that New Yorkers remain at risk because of this law,” Hawley said. “This law was rushed and passed along with our massive $175 billion budget without the appropriate public hearings and consultation with law enforcement officials or our constituents.”

“We must repeal this law and restore judicial discretion in pretrial criminal proceedings,” Hawley continued. “It is critical that individuals who pose a danger to themselves and their community can be held in custody pending their criminal trial so they do not reoffend and cause more unnecessary tragedy and damage in our communities.”