Implemented in January 2020, New York’s initial bail reform was historic, contributing to a 40 percent decline in New York City’s pretrial jail population. But three months into the reform, following a firestorm of sensationalized media coverage, the state passed a series of significant revisions. To some, they were a rollback; to others, the changes don’t go far enough.
In a virtual presentation in June 2020, our leading bail reform experts discussed their new report, 'Bail Reform Revisited: The Impact of New York’s Amended Law.' With the amended law about to go into effect, they explored the impacts of the revisions and the effect outside factors—such as COVID-19 or the current protests against police violence—may have on the direction of pretrial reform in the state. The panelists also discussed ways that New York City, despite the increase in the pretrial jail population expected from the revised law, can still meet its commitment to close Rikers Island by 2026.
Speakers
Courtney Bryan, executive director
Michael Rempel, director, jail reform
Krystal Rodriguez, deputy director, jail reform
Jonathan Monsalve, project director, Brooklyn Justice Initiatives
Dipal Shah, director, strategic partnerships (moderator)