Griffo joins with law enforcement, district attorneys and Republican colleagues at rally calling for repeal of bail reform

ALBANY – New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, today joined a statewide coalition of law enforcement and district attorneys and Republican colleagues in the Senate and Assembly at a rally calling for the repeal of the bail reform that went into effect Jan. 1. 

Deputy Minority Leader Griffo continues to be critical of the new law, which eliminated cash bail and pre-trial detention for most offenses. He also supports Senate Bill (S6861), which allows courts to make an appropriate risk assessment based upon on individual’s previous criminal history. Judges do not have such discretion under the new law.

A recent Siena College poll, meanwhile, found that New Yorkers’ support for the bail reform law has plummeted. 

In addition to hosting multiple rallies and other events to further the fight to repeal bail reform, the Senate Republican Conference recently announced a statewide ‘Repeal Bail Reform Taskforce,' which will collect testimony from law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victims, local leaders and the public. The first roundtable will convene this Thursday, Feb. 6, in Buffalo with upcoming roundtables on Long Island, and in the Hudson Valley and Syracuse.

“We continue to see potentially dangerous individuals released back into our communities because of the flawed bail reform supported and passed by downstate Democrats that went into effect at the beginning of the year,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “While I recognize the need for criminal justice reform, these bail-related changes were rushed, lacked input from important stakeholders and pose a risk to public safety. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address this issue and that law enforcement, district attorneys, crime victims and others have the opportunity to give input on this matter as we move forward."

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