NYCLU Comment on Assembly’s Bail Reform Vote

The New York State Assembly voted today on legislation to reform the state’s bail system. 

The New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from executive director Donna Lieberman:

“The Assembly took an important step forward today with bail reform legislation that recognizes the urgency of reforming our deeply unequal justice system, which disproportionately punishes people of color and the poor. Should the Senate join them, this legislation should be amended in order to truly have the impact that is needed to reduce the number of people who are in jail before trial because they cannot afford to pay bail.

“Justice should not depend on the size of one’s bank account. To realize an equal and fair justice system, New Yorkers need bail reform that ensures no one is in jail because of their inability to pay, that bail bond companies do not profit from the desperation of poor defendants, and that there is transparency around who does and does not get bail.

“Responsibility for making bail reform a reality in New York now rests with the Senate leadership and the Governor.”