Media Contact

media@nyclu.org, 212-607-3372

June 6, 2018
ALBANY − The New York State Assembly voted today on a legislative package of criminal justice reforms. 
 
The New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from executive director Donna Lieberman:
 
“The criminal justice system is far too often unfair and unjust. Today the New York Assembly passed comprehensive reform of the state’s antiquated discovery statute, which governs evidence-sharing in criminal trials. Prosecutors shouldn’t be able to hide the ball from defense attorneys, but that’s how New York law currently works. The NYCLU applauds the Assembly for its vote today to make criminal trials more fair and more just. 
 
“Also today, the Assembly voted to approve, for the third time, the Police Statistics and Transparency (STAT) Act, passing the baton once again to their colleagues in the Senate to ensure transparency and accountability in policing.”
 
"The legislation approved by the Assembly also includes measure that would seal records in low-level drug-possession cases, ensure that past involvement with the criminal justice system is not a disqualification for employment; and allow young people to seek a waiver of court fees. 
 
“It is in the hands of Senate leadership and the Governor  to ensure that these much needed reforms become reality.”