Bill S06908, proposed by Senator Michael F. Nozzolio

Summary of Bill S06908:

"Directs the division of parole to maintain a current list of all inmates due to appear before a parole board on its internet homepage; directs such division to establish a means by which crime victims can register to receive notice of the date of the parole hearing of the inmate who committed the offense against such victim; directs such division to report to the governor and legislative leaders on a quarterly basis on those inmates granted parole; requires all member of the parole board to agree on the parole of an inmate convicted of a class A felony; requires notice of a parole hearing to be provided to the district attorney and the crime victim, nine months in advance of the parole hearing of an inmate; requires the crime victims fair treatment standard pamphlet to include information on registering with the division of parole to receive notice of the parole hearing of the person convicted of an offense against a crime victim."

Full text of Bill S06908 may be found here.

Articles commenting on the new bill proposed by Senator Michael F. Nozzolio

Articles commenting on the proposed new legislation intended to restrict the parole release of violent felons, announced by Senator Michael F. Nozzolio at the New York State Senate Majority Conference on February 5th:

New York Senate proposes laws to reduce violent offender parole rates. Valerie Bauman, Associated Press, February 5 2008.

Parole battle rages. Kenneth Lovett, New York Post, February 6 2008.

Hike in violent criminals paroled sparks debate. James T Madore, Newsday, February 6 2008.

Senate wants parole procedures toughened. Jay Gallagher, The Ithaca Journal, February 6 2008.

Really, Mr. Bruno? Editorial, Times Union, February 10 2008.

Senate GOP wants to beef up parole laws: Bill would keep violent criminals in jail. Heather Senison, Legislative Gazette, February 11 2008.

Senate takes action to stop skyrocketing increase in violent criminal parole release rates

A new bill was proposed on February 5th by Senator Michael Nozzolio at the New York State Senate Majority Conference which would strengthen victims' rights, increase public awareness prior to release, and require unanimous votes by the Parole Board for release.

Senate takes action to stop skyrocketing increase in violent criminal parole release rates.

This proposal is a direct response to the increase in parole release rates for A-1 violent felons that has taken place since Governor Eliot Spitzer took office.

Full details of the new proposals may be found in the New York State Senate Republican Majority press release here.

Interview with Cheryl L. Kates, an attorney who specializes in parole appeals

The audio file of The Fancy Broccoli Show's interview on January 20th with Cheryl L. Kates, an attorney who specializes in parole appeals, is now available here.