Speaker Carl Heastie and Corrections Committee Chair Erik Dilan have announced the passage of new legislation aimed at reforming New York’s corrections system. The bill, identified as A8871, seeks to enhance safety for incarcerated individuals following a series of violent incidents within state prisons.
Speaker Heastie emphasized the need for change: “The recent series of violent deaths within our prisons have indicated that change is needed to ensure our incarcerated individuals can serve their time and rejoin society without fearing for their lives.” Chair Dilan added, “The deaths of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi should not have happened, full stop.”
Key components of the legislation include increased security camera coverage in correctional facilities and mandatory disclosure of footage related to inmate deaths involving corrections officers to the attorney general’s office within 72 hours. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) inform next of kin about an inmate’s death circumstances and publish a notice online.
The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) will be allowed to inspect state correctional facilities with 24-hour notice and access relevant data without formal requests under the Freedom of Information Act. DOCCS is also required to report quarterly on complaints received by its Office of Special Investigations.
The bill expands the State Commission of Corrections by adding six commissioners tasked with studying inmate deaths to improve prison conditions. It also includes the Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act, which requires comprehensive evidence collection during autopsies.
Provisions extend the statute of limitations for civil damages claims by former inmates to three years post-release. The bill addresses potential conflicts in prosecuting or defending DOCCS employees by allowing for special attorney appointments when necessary.
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz highlighted transparency measures: “There should be no reason why someone enters prison and never makes it out alive.” Assemblymember Harvey Epstein noted efforts towards accountability: “This provision ensures that no family will be without answers on the situation surrounding the death.”
Assemblymember Emily Gallagher expressed her commitment to oversight reforms: “I am honored that two bills I sponsored — the SCOC expansion bill and the Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act — were included.” Assemblymembers Yudelka Tapia and Clyde Vanel stressed the importance of comprehensive camera systems in maintaining justice.
Finally, Assemblymember David Weprin praised CANY’s role in improving correctional conditions: “This bill will ensure that CANY has greater access to facilities and data they need.”
