Requires the state to enter into an agreement with the Rand Corporation to conduct a study of the impact of the 2020 Discovery Reform legislation enacted by Part HHH of chapter 56 of the laws of 2020 has had on the handling and disposition of criminal cases; makes an appropriation therefor.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7069
SPONSOR: Walker TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to requiring the state to enter into an agreement
with the Rand Corporation to conduct a study of the impact the 2020
Discovery Reform legislation enacted by part HHH of chapter 56 of the
laws of 2020 has had on the handling and disposition of criminal cases;
and making an appropriation therefor
PURPOSE:
Stakeholders know from experience that discovery reform has increased
the workload of all attorneys, paralegals, and advocates. Because this
is very difficult to demonstrate through data, The Mayor's Task Force on
recommended funding for an external consultant (e.g. RAND) to conduct a
statewide study of the impact of discovery reform on case processing and
workload.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The state shall contract with the Rand Corporation to conduct
a study of the impact the 2020 Discovery Reform legislation.
§ 2. Explanation of what is to be researched.
§ 3. Reasoning for the study.
§ 4. Definitions
§ 5. Amount of funds to be allocated for the study.
§ 6. Act and effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The Mayor's Task Force on Discovery, resulting from the two-day criminal
justice summit, was tasked with further analyzing the impact of the 2020
Discovery Reform legislation on the various stakeholders in NYC. In
addition, the Task Force was asked to make recommendations that could be
agreed upon by the various stakeholders. The committee consisted of
District Attorneys, institutional defense providers, private attorneys,
assigned counsel members, NYPD, legislators, and other stakeholders.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To Be Determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
