The Problem

New York must protect its students from being pushed into the criminal legal system by enacting policies that address the underlying causes of behavior. Rather than relying on suspension and expulsion, we must prioritize alternative disciplinary measures. Zero-tolerance policies are antiquated and ineffective. Right now, our schools don't provide adequate resources to address the needs of their students.

The Solution

Judith Kaye School Solutions Not Suspensions Act (S.1040)

reforms school discipline policies to ensure fair and equitable school discipline for all students.

S.54 (Gounardes)

ensures that all elementary, intermediate, middle, junior and senior high schools throughout New York have an effective social work program to meet the needs of their students.

A.1556/S.273 (Clark/Gounardes)

requires guidance counselors in all school levels.

S.355 (Jackson)

increases transparency, accountability, and reforms disciplinary action in charter schools.

The Problem

Young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system are treated unfairly and aren't given the opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society. We must acknowledge that young people have unique developmental needs and are still maturing, and thus should not be held to the same standards as adults. Youth justice should prioritize rehabilitation and restorative justice practices over punishment and incarceration.

The Solution

The Youth Justice and Opportunity Act (O'Donnell/Myrie)

expands existing New York law protections and limits the lifelong negative consequences of prosecution for actions taken by young people before reaching full maturity.

Miranda Rights for All (S.1099)

amends procedures for the custodial interrogation of children to provide additional safeguards, as well as for the arrest of juveniles and those aged sixteen and seventeen.

The Problem

New York has implemented several reforms to improve the lives of those involved in the justice system over the years, but there is still much more that can be done. We must implement comprehensive and proven solutions that will make our communities safer, keep families together, and break the chains of incarceration.

The Solution

Clean Slate Act (A.1029/S.211)

allows for the automatic sealing of certain convictions after a certain amount of time has passed since the imposition of sentence, release from parole, or probation, and if the defendant does not have a current charge pending.

Ending Qualified Immunity (S.182)

holds New York police officers accountable, and ensures that officers who cause harm or take lives are not immune from prosecution.

Eliminate Mandatory Minimums Act (Myrie)

eliminates mandatory minimum sentencing.

Second Look Act (S.321)

allows incarcerated individuals who have been sentenced to a decade or more in prison the opportunity to obtain a "second look" at their sentences.

Earned Time Act (S.774)

helps prepare incarcerated people for reintegration and to restore them to their families and communities.

Freedom from Forced Labor Act (S.225)

allows incarcerated persons the right to refuse to work while in prison.

• Fairness and Opportunity for Incarcerated Workers Act (Myrie)

ensures that all incarcerated workers have basic labor protections, a fair wage, and are protected from forced labor through the threat of punishment.

Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act (S.215)

enables an authentic legal pathway to exoneration and allows people who were wrongfully or improperly convicted in previous decades to have their names and records cleared.