S309B

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring state correctional facilities to develop emergency release plans for use during disaster emergencies declared by the Governor. The bill, Senate Print 309B (Calendar 581), sponsored by Senator Salazar, passed on a 44-15 vote. The measure would mandate the creation of such plans to address potential crises at state prisons. Opposition centered on concerns that the plans prioritize prisoner releases over the safety of incarcerated individuals, state employees, and the general public. Sen. Helming, voting against the measure, also criticized the composition of the advisory board tasked with developing the plans, noting it includes only one member from the corrections officers union but two former inmates. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.