New York Lawmakers Urged to Amend Controversial Youth Law NOW

URGENT UPDATE: New York lawmakers are gearing up for a fierce debate over calls to amend the Raise the Age law, which currently prevents youth offenders aged 16 and 17 from being tried as adults. This push comes as pressure mounts from law enforcement and district attorneys across the state, aiming for immediate reform in the upcoming legislative session.

The Raise the Age law, enacted in 2017, sought to enhance protections for young offenders by shifting them from adult courts to family courts. However, newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and many district attorneys argue that the law has inadvertently created a “consequence-free environment” for juvenile crime. Tisch stated, “The number of kids that are victims of shootings is up 83%. Since those laws changed, the number of kids that are shooters is up almost 100% in that time.”

In a recent discussion at the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, key lawmakers, including Bronx DA Darcel Clark and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, examined the law’s impact. Clark has been advocating for amendments since 2021, while Gonzalez’s office declined to comment on these critical conversations.

Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, a staunch supporter of the current law, expressed concern about potential reforms. “Hopefully, we will continue to allow judges the discretion that they need to make the best decisions,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of judicial discretion in determining case outcomes.

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is committed to retaining Tisch as police commissioner when he takes office in January 2024. Revising the law is Tisch’s top agenda item in Albany next year, as calls for reform grow louder due to complications that law enforcement faces with juvenile offenders. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York is also pressing for legislative action, highlighting the challenges posed by family court confidentiality that hampers criminal investigations.

DAASNY President Mary Pat Donnelly noted, “We need to be able to look at the offender’s history, their background… We need the ability to know what’s going in family courts.” The organization is advocating for transparency in cases involving youth offenders to ensure justice is effectively served.

Tisch reiterated her concerns, stating, “It is maddening,” as crime rates involving youth continue to rise. The urgency of the situation has compelled various stakeholders to act, with a focus on addressing the root causes rather than merely amending the law.

In a broader context, Governor Kathy Hochul has not taken a definitive stance on the proposed changes. She remarked during a summer address, “I will be looking at all the laws as I get back to the legislative session and talking about what is best for the people of this state.” As Hochul prepares for a competitive re-election campaign against likely Republican nominee Rep. Elise Stefanik, the pressure from Tisch and district attorneys could influence her position on this critical issue.

Members of the state Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Legislative Caucus have also been active in discussions surrounding the law. Caucus chair Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages stated, “Raise the Age was established to protect children, and any conversation about this law must start with the truth that its biggest challenges are fiscal.” She emphasized the need for adequate funding to support localities in keeping youth out of prison and addressing crime more effectively.

As tensions rise and debates unfold, the future of New York’s Raise the Age law remains uncertain. The urgency for reform is palpable, and all eyes are on the upcoming legislative session as lawmakers and stakeholders prepare to confront this contentious issue head-on.

Stay tuned for further developments as this critical conversation continues to evolve.