Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) joined Assemblyman Ed Ra (R,C,I-Franklin Square), Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo (R,C,I,Ref-New Suffolk), Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan and fellow legislators at a press conference calling on lawmakers to pass common sense amendments that would rectify serious concerns regarding bail reform measures enacted in this year’s state budget. The bail reform measures have raised concerns regarding the safety of communities due to the inability of judges to hold criminals after arrest. The conference’s proposed amendments would eliminate this restriction, ensuring dangerous criminals are held in custody until sentencing.

“The Assembly Majority pushed through significant criminal justice reforms without gaining a full understanding of the damage they could cause, and now our conference is faced with cleaning up the mess,” said Barclay. “Current law makes is far too easy for dangerous offenders to roam freely and potentially flee from law enforcement after they’ve been arrested for a serious crime. This bill is about ensuring the safety of our communities and keeping dangerous criminals behind bars until their day in court. With only days left in session, it’s imperative we act on these amendments now before adjourning for the year.”