Correctional Association Highlights Progress on Three Priority Transparency Reforms
Group Calls on Lawmakers to Ensure Final Passage Before End of Session
ALBANY – This week, Albany lawmakers took action to advance three bills championed by the Correctional Association of New York (CANY), the independent organization tasked with overseeing the state’s prison system. These bills aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and oversight within correctional facilities to improve conditions for both incarcerated individuals and staff.
A6489-A Weprin / S312-A Salazar – CANY Oversight and Data Access Bill
This legislation strengthens CANY’s oversight capabilities by allowing unannounced on-site visits and streamlined access to critical data on custody, staffing, program enrollment, and deaths in custody. By restoring these essential tools, CANY can better identify systemic issues, advocate for effective solutions, and ensure the safety and well-being of all within correctional facilities.
Status: Reported favorably by the Assembly Correction Committee, awaiting action in the Senate Crime, Crime Victims, and Correction Committee.
A7854-B Epstein / S 7607-B Salazar – Public Notice for Deaths in Custody at State Prisons and Local Jails
Amidst a concerning rise in deaths within New York's correctional facilities, this bill mandates timely public notification (within 24 hours) of such incidents, aligning the state with best practices for transparency and accountability. This legislation directly follows a key recommendation from CANY's 2023 Policy Agenda and CANY’s 2023 Recommendations to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Across Five Key Domains.
Status: Reported favorably by the Assembly Correction Committee, currently on the Senate floor for consideration.
A7261 Aubry / S600 Salazar – Oversight of Juvenile Detention Facilities
Protecting the rights and welfare of young people in custody is paramount. This bill establishes crucial civilian oversight of juvenile detention facilities, ensuring appropriate care and support for these vulnerable youth.
Status: Passed by the Senate, currently under review in the Assembly Correction Committee.
“We commend lawmakers for advancing these critical legislative reforms,” said Jennifer Scaife, Executive Director of CANY. “Collectively, these three bills represent a significant step towards a more just, transparent, and accountable correctional system in New York. We extend our gratitude to champions like Senator Salazar and the Assembly sponsors, Aubry, Weprin, and Epstein for their efforts, and we urge all lawmakers to ensure the final passage of these bills before the legislative session ends.
About CANY
CANY, under §146, of New York’s Correction Law, is charged with visiting and examining the state's correctional facilities to identify and report on prison conditions, the treatment of incarcerated individuals, and the administration of policy promulgated by the executive and legislature. Founded in 1844 by concerned citizens of the state and deputized by the state to provide monitoring and oversight of the state’s prisons in 1846, CANY is one of the first organizations in the country prescribed to administer civilian oversight of prisons.