Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Aron Wieder announced today that their bill to adjust residency requirements for correction officers and related staff members serving Orange and Rockland counties, which passed with broad bipartisan support in the State Legislature, has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Rockland and Orange County correctional facilities have faced ongoing difficulties in the past several years with recruitment of new correction officers, as well as retention of trained, experienced officers. Amending residency requirements contained within the Public Officers Law will allow these counties to expand their geographical search for correction officer candidates, as well as enable such municipalities to retain experienced officers who may reside outside the two respective counties.

The bill (S.9020C / A.10080B) will allow eligible personnel to reside not only in Orange or Rockland counties, but also in any New York county directly bordering either county—providing greater flexibility while helping to recruit and retain a strong workforce. The bill was introduced at the request of the sheriff departments from both counties.

“It is vitally important that we keep our corrections facilities well-staffed for the safety of the public, those at work in those facilities and those in custody,” said Sen. Harckham. “This new law alleviates overly restrictive residency requirements and helps maintain safety in our local corrections facilities by encouraging staff retention and new hires. I’m grateful to Assemblymember Wieder for his leadership on this measure, to my colleagues Senators Weber and Skoufis for their partnership in advancing the bill, and to Governor Hochul for enacting it into law.”

“Our correction officers perform an essential and demanding job every day, and they deserve policies that help recruit and retain the best workforce possible,” said Asm. Wieder. “This new law gives Orange and Rockland counties the flexibility they need to strengthen staffing while maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities. I’m proud to have partnered with Senator Harckham, our legislative colleagues, and I want to especially thank Sheriff Louis Falco for his leadership and partnership in advancing this important measure. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”

State Sen. Bill Weber said, “This new law reflects what can be accomplished when we put practical solutions ahead of politics. Our correctional facilities depend on dedicated professionals who perform a difficult, demanding job every day, and it is our responsibility to remove unnecessary barriers that hinder recruitment. I am proud to have supported this bipartisan effort, which will help strengthen our local workforce and better position our county correctional facilities to meet the needs of the communities they serve.” 

State Sen. James Skoufis said, “Due to a technical issue in state law, dozens of Orange and Rockland County correctional officers were due to be laid off; this new law ensures that doesn’t happen. I was glad to partner with Senator Harckham to ensure this critically important legislation passed in our chamber. With this enacted law, our county jails will have the necessary staff to continue keeping our community safe.”

State Sen. Rob Rolison said, “This new law is a practical, commonsense step to help our counties recruit and retain qualified correction officers while maintaining strong public safety standards. As a former police officer, I understand firsthand the challenges law enforcement agencies face when it comes to staffing and retention. Expanding residency gives these departments greater flexibility to attract dedicated professionals while ensuring they can continue providing safe and secure facilities. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation and thank Governor Hochul for signing it into law. Supporting the men and women who serve in these demanding roles is critical to strengthening public safety in our communities.” 

Staffing shortages and recruitment issues have become a burden across the country in recent years. Moreover, many correction officers prefer to live outside the jurisdiction they serve to create a separation of professional and personal lives. 

Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III said, “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Senators Pete Harckham, Bill Weber, James Skoufis, and Assemblymembers Aron Wieder, Patrick Carroll and Karl Brabenec, for working with us in recognizing the workforce challenges facing our correctional facilities and responding with meaningful legislative action. I especially applaud the bipartisan cooperation demonstrated by members of both the Senate and Assembly, as well as the support of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, in working together to achieve this important legislative change. On behalf of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, I thank each of them for their leadership, partnership, and commitment to supporting the men and women who serve in corrections every day.”

Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said, “The signing of this legislation into law strengthens the county correctional workforce by expanding residency options for correction officers. The new law aims to improve recruitment efforts, retain experienced professionals, and broaden the pool of qualified candidates. By allowing greater flexibility in residency provisions, it promotes a better work-life balance by reducing commuting times for many employees. This makes careers in corrections more attractive and helps agencies maintain a strong, dedicated workforce. Correction officers are essential to maintaining the safety, security, and operational integrity of our facility. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Senators Pete Harckham and James Skoufis, as well as Assemblymembers Aron Wieder, Patrick Carroll, and Karl Brabenec, for making this a priority and getting the bill passed into law.”  

Daniel Huppert, president of the Rockland County Correction Officer Benevolent Association (COBARC), said, “COBARC would like to extend a huge thank you to Senator Harckham and Assemblyman Wieder for championing this legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it into law. Public safety relies on having strong, well-staffed teams protecting our communities. By expanding residency boundaries for correction officers in Rockland and Orange counties, this new law tackles critical staffing shortages, helps retain experienced first responders and delivers real results for local law enforcement and New York families.”