By Jamie DeLine at News 10
May 28, 2025
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)—Prison reform advocates gathered in Albany on Wednesday
following a monthly meeting of the State Commission of Correction.
They say the deaths of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi highlight the need for change within
the New York State Prison System.
“No one should enter a state facility healthy and leave in a body bag,” said Assemblymember
Emily Gallagher.
The advocates called for bill Gallagher sponsors to pass. It would expand the State Commission
of Correction. Known as SCOC, the commission oversees local and state correctional facilities
and helps make sure minimum management standards are met.
The legislation would increase the commission from three people to nine— allowing the
governor to appoint three members while the Assembly Speaker, Senate Pro tempore, and the
Correctional Association would be able to nominate two members each.
“It would also require the commissioners to have a background in public health, behavioral
health, in prisoner’s rights ligation, and someone who is formerly incarcerated,” explained
Melanie Dominguez, Organizing Director at Katal Center.
The bill passed in the Senate but remains in committee in the Assembly. Governor Hochul
recently allocated additional money for the commission in the state budget.
“The governor has already put in $3 million and asked the SCOC to conduct annual inspections,”
explained Gallagher. “Without expanding and changing this board and diversifying its
leadership, the changes are merely cosmetic. We must pass the bill this session. There is still
time, and we must let the assembly know that this is a priority.”
We reached out to the State Commission of Correction but are awaiting a statement.
