Senate Passes Prison Reforms to Address Crisis in State Correctional Facilities

June 12, 2025

New York Senate Majority Passes Prison Reforms to Address Crisis in State Correctional Facilities press release.

In response to a year defined by violence, preventable deaths, and a prolonged illegal work stoppage within New York’s correctional facilities, the New York State Senate passed a comprehensive reform package to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight across the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Developed through a series of legislative hearings led by Senator Julia Salazar, Chair of the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, in collaboration with members of the Senate Majority Conference, the reforms aim to improve safety, dignity, and outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff.

“Accountability and safety inside our correctional system are not negotiable,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “This package is a direct response to the devastating loss of life and the systemic failures we’ve witnessed across DOCCS facilities. These reforms ensure that families receive the truth, that independent oversight is real, and that every person, whether incarcerated or working behind the walls, is treated with dignity. We remain committed to building a corrections system rooted in rehabilitation, healing, and meaningful pathways to reentry, because that is what leads to stronger, safer families and communities.”

Senator Julia Salazar, Chair of the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, said, “With the Senate passage of the Prison Reform Omnibus Bill, I’m thinking of Robert Brooks, Messiah Nantwi, and their loved ones. For decades, New York’s state prisons have been plagued by a systemic pattern of racism, staff violence towards incarcerated individuals, and human rights abuses, with little to no accountability or oversight. Just within the last six months, correction officers murdered two young Black men. In December, we watched video footage of prison staff brutally murdering Robert Brooks. Then this past March, we learned correction officers murdered Messiah Nantwi. We know there are countless others whose names we don’t know or who have not received the same level of attention. This bill is a serious step toward finally reforming our prisons. There is more work to do, including an expansion of pathways for release, but this is progress, it will make a difference, and I’m proud to stand behind it. I urge Governor Hochul to sign it into law.”

Legislation Components

24/7 Fixed Camera Coverage

Originally introduced as S.7312 by Senator Julia Salazar: Mandates comprehensive audio and video surveillance in common areas of correctional facilities, with retention periods of one year, or five years if tied to misconduct or litigation.

Timely Notice of Death to Families

Originally introduced as S.5680 by Senator Julia Salazar: Requires prompt notification to the next of kin following an incarcerated individual’s death and mandates public notice on the DOCCS website within 24 hours of notification.

Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act

Originally introduced as S.2510 by Senator Julia Salazar: Requires autopsy reports to include photographs, x-rays, and other relevant documentation reviewed by the medical examiner to ensure full transparency.

State Commission of Correction (SCOC) Expansion

Originally introduced as S.856 by Senator Julia Salazar: Expands the SCOC from 3 to 9 members and includes formerly incarcerated individuals, public health professionals, and civil rights advocates.

Correctional Association of NY Oversight Authority

Originally introduced as S.651A by Senator Julia Salazar: Expands CANY’s authority to conduct independent, unsupervised inspections, speak privately with incarcerated individuals and staff, and access quarterly data from DOCCS.

Tolling of Statute of Limitations for Harm in Custody

Originally introduced as S.844A by Senator Julia Salazar: Extends the time frame for incarcerated individuals to file civil claims for harm suffered in custody to three years after their release.

Video Footage Disclosure

Originally introduced as S.3653 by Senator Jamaal Bailey: Requires correctional facilities to turn over unredacted video footage related to any death involving correctional officers to the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation within 72 hours of the death.

OSI Data Transparency

Originally introduced as S.8249 by Senator Cordell Cleare: Requires DOCCS to report data quarterly to the Legislature and Governor on complaints, investigations, staffing, and enforcement actions handled by the Office of Special Investigation.

Study of Deaths in DOCCS Custody

Originally introduced as S.3853 by Senator James Sanders, Jr.: Directs the State Commission of Correction to investigate the causes of deaths in custody over the past decade and make recommendations for systemic reform.

OAG Conflict of Interest Reform

Provides a framework for separating prosecution and civil defense roles within the Attorney General’s office and allows the appointment of independent prosecutors when conflicts arise.

Member Support

Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “For far too long, many have been shielded from accountability and transparency, causing further harm to the families of those wrongfully killed while in correctional facilities. These bills represent a comprehensive and compassionate step forward — ensuring families receive timely notice, misconduct is thoroughly investigated, and the humanity of incarcerated individuals is respected. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that requires video footage to be released in cases of death involving correctional staff, because truth and justice should never be hidden.”

Senator Cordell Cleare said, “I proudly support this reform package and vote for it in the name of Robert Brooks and so many other young Black Men who were murdered by an inhumane system in need of total reform.”