Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Ref-Pulaski) issued the following statement today in reaction to a bill (A.4319) that would make prison inmates eligible for parole at 55 if they’ve served 15 years. The legislation is being pushed by Majority lawmakers in Albany.

“There is a push being made by Downstate Majority lawmakers in Albany to advocate for more rights for criminals. While some of the reforms have merit, any criminal justice reforms should fully consider victims and victims’ rights—many of whom are survivors of heinous acts such as rape, murder, and child molestation.

“If criminals are behind bars, law enforcement and victims and their families have already sought justice through the courts. Some criminals will be eligible for parole after serving certain terms but to make criminals eligible for parole because they reach a certain age shows a lack of concern for the victims and their families. Further, it disregards the work that law enforcement officials and the courts have done to ensure justice.

“Criminals should continue to be assessed on an individual basis according to sentencing terms. In addition, this bill would put potentially dangerous criminals back in our communities and risk the safety of our families.”