What to Know
- Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing changes to NY's parole system to help formerly incarcerated individuals adjust to life outside prison
- One proposal would remove obstacles facing former inmates seeking a state occupational license
- Cuomo says he wants to eliminate outdated and unnecessary barriers that can discourage the rehabilitation of former inmates
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing changes to the state's parole system to help formerly incarcerated individuals adjust to life outside prison walls.
The Democrat on Monday announced several legislative measures that now go to lawmakers for consideration.
One proposal would allow elderly prisoners to seek parole if they have served half of their sentences and have health problems that make it hard for them to care for themselves in prison.
Another measure would eliminate a parole supervision fee that Cuomo says can pose a financial burden to former inmates. A third would remove obstacles facing former inmates seeking a state occupational license, such as plumber's or barber's license.
Cuomo says he wants to eliminate outdated and unnecessary barriers that can discourage the rehabilitation of former inmates.
"These reforms promote both public safety and the rehabilitation of individuals who have paid their debt to society," Cuomo said in a statement.
