New state budget includes changes to bail reform

Gov. Kathy Hochul – along with state lawmakers – have made it easier for judges to keep certain defendants locked up behind bars even before they’ve been convicted.

Hochul continues to face pressure from centrist Democrats and Republicans anxious to see a legislative response to a rise in violent crime.

The budget completed this past weekend will give judges more power to jail people who possess firearms or who commit crimes while awaiting trial for others.

At this point, most stakeholders aren’t just saying bail reform will likely be revisited by future legislatures, they’re saying it must be.

Hear what they’re saying about the new bail reform laws by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.