UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that her upcoming executive budget, set to be released on Tuesday, will NOT include any changes to the controversial Raise the Age law. This decision comes amidst significant pressure from prosecutors advocating for reform, highlighting a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over juvenile justice in New York.
Hochul’s office announced late Friday that the governor has opted to avoid potential conflict with the Legislature, as all lawmakers face re-election this year. The Raise the Age law, enacted in 2017, prevents 16 and 17-year-olds from being tried as adults, a measure that has garnered both support and opposition across the state.
In response, state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, chair of the state’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Legislative Caucus, expressed relief. “I appreciate the governor’s decision to keep Raise the Age reform out of this year’s budget,” Solages stated to Spectrum News 1. She emphasized the caucus’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for localities to effectively implement the law and keep young people out of prison.
As discussions about the law continue, advocates have raised concerns over potential changes. Just earlier this week, they met with Solages, expressing fears that discussions in the governor’s office could lead to weakening the law. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY) has been vocal in its desire for more clarity on when a case involving a minor could be escalated to criminal court, particularly in cases involving firearms.
DAASNY President Mary Pat Donnelly reiterated this stance on Friday, urging Hochul to specify the extraordinary circumstances under which a judge can transfer a case to adult court. Current law mandates that a loaded weapon must be displayed for the crime to be considered serious, a condition that has prompted further scrutiny.
Additionally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch have shown strong support for revising the Raise the Age law, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions.
As the situation develops, the governor’s annual budget address on Tuesday will be a critical moment for stakeholders on both sides of the debate. Observers will be watching closely to see how Hochul balances the demands of prosecutors with the commitments made to protect young individuals from severe legal repercussions.
The decision to maintain the current status of the Raise the Age law marks a significant moment in New York’s legislative landscape, with implications for the future of juvenile justice in the state. As pressure mounts from various factions, it remains to be seen how the governor will navigate these challenging waters.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
