In this issue:
Bail Reform Passed the New York State Assembly
(Assemblywoman Latrice Walker speaking at Katal’s press conference during a faith-based lobby day for bail reform)
bail reform passed the new york state assembly
This week, the New York State Assembly took a bold step towards making our criminal justice system fairer by passing bail reform bill A10137A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Latrice Walker. This bill would address and rectify the wealth-and race-based disparities that plague our pretrial justice system by eliminating cash bail for nearly all misdemeanors and non-violent felony cases. The bill passed hours after Katal’s faith-based lobby day for bail reform, where faith leaders met with over a dozen legislators and delivered a letter signed by over 60 faith leaders from across the state urging Governor Cuomo to pass meaningful and robust bail reform before the legislative session ends next week. You can read Katal’s statement on the passing of the Assembly bill here.
Bail Reform passing through the Assembly was an important step, but now the Senate and Governor Cuomo must take immediate action to advance justice by passing this legislation and signing it into law. Take action and tell Albany: The time for bail reform is NOW.
(Katal staff with faith leaders and advocates from across the state)