State lawmakers return to Albany for new legislative session

State lawmakers are back in Albany for the start of the legislative session. This is Gov. Kathy Hochul’s first year as elected governor – and lawmakers have a busy agenda for the year ahead.

Two of the big topics are housing and bail reform.

Hochul promised to focus on housing initiatives in her State of the State address.

Another key issue lawmakers want to focus on is criminal justice reform.

The governor has already shared a list of possible modifications to the bail laws that were passed in 2019.