S1050

The New York State Senate passed S1050, sponsored by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Correction Law. The bill received 40 votes in favor and 22 opposed in a roll call vote. The measure will take effect 30 days after becoming law. Twenty-two senators voted against the bill, including Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber, and Weik. No floor debate was recorded on the measure prior to the vote.

The New York State Senate passed legislation on the final day of session that would require the Department of Corrections to notify family members before transferring incarcerated individuals between facilities and allow inmates to make one free phone call within 24 hours before transfer. Senate Print 1050, sponsored by Sen. Salazar, passed 38-21 on a roll call vote. The bill includes a safety provision allowing DOCCS to deny the pre-transfer phone call if it poses an unacceptable risk to facility safety or security, and does not require notification of the destination facility. Sen. Salazar argued the measure maintains family connections, which research shows reduces recidivism and improves inmate behavior and morale, while preventing the distress families experience when traveling to facilities where inmates are no longer housed. Sen. Stec opposed the bill on public safety grounds, arguing that advance notice of inmate movements could facilitate escapes with outside assistance. He cited the 2015 escape of two convicted murderers from Clinton Correctional Facility in his district, which he said cost taxpayers approximately $1 million per day and terrified the North Country for three weeks. Stec argued the existing 24-hour post-transfer notification window is sufficient and that public safety must take precedence over family convenience. The bill has previously passed the Senate and was vetoed by the Governor in 2022 when carried by another senator.