S600

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that expands independent oversight of juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. Senate Print 600, sponsored by Sen. Salazar, authorizes the Correctional Association—a not-for-profit entity already designated in statute to oversee state correctional facilities—to monitor OCFS residential juvenile detention facilities. The bill also allows Prisoners' Legal Services of New York to establish a juvenile justice unit to legally represent children in those facilities and investigate complaints. Salazar cited a Department of Justice investigation that uncovered serious abuses in OCFS facilities, including violence against youth resulting in broken bones and concussions, as justification for the additional oversight layer. The bill passed 41-20, with opposition led by Sen. Stec, who argued the measure was duplicative of existing oversight mechanisms and that the state should reform its own agencies rather than outsourcing oversight to external entities. Stec also raised concerns about potential facility disruption and costs. The legislation takes effect 60 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 600, sponsored by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Executive Law, on a roll call vote of 42-16. The bill, which carries Calendar Number 1266, will take effect 60 days after becoming law. Sixteen senators voted in opposition: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.