Golden Legislation to Prevent Convicts From Changing Names While in Prison Passes State Senate

Albany - The New York State Senate passed legislation S.2248A sponsored by Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), that would prevent dangerous criminals from changing their name while incarcerated, on parole or on probation. This measure would protect the rights of victims of violent crime by not allowing violent felons to petition for a name change until they have completed their sentence requirements.

"This bill will guarantee that we better track those who have committed some of the most heinous of crimes, and give some piece of mind to victims, that offenders cannot fall through the cracks and become anonymous within our society," Senator Golden said.

In the past, convicted felons have been able to change their names while in prison in order to achieve anonymity. In 2000, the civil rights law was amended by providing for a process whereby crime victims and communities are notified when certain violent felons petition for a legal name change, giving victims an opportunity to voice their objections. However, the process of objecting to a name change petition places an unnecessary burden on crime victims.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.