UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that her upcoming executive budget, set to be unveiled on February 6, 2024, will not include any changes to the Raise the Age law. This law prevents 16 and 17-year-olds from being tried as adults, a move that has been under intense scrutiny from various stakeholders, including prosecutors.
Just announced late Friday, Hochul’s decision to maintain the current law reflects her intention to avoid a contentious battle with the Legislature ahead of the upcoming electoral season, as all lawmakers are up for election this year. The announcement comes despite repeated calls from the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York for reforms that would enable more flexibility in prosecuting young offenders.
A spokesperson from the governor’s office stated, “There will not be any changes to Raise the Age in the governor’s executive budget on Tuesday.” This decision has sparked relief among advocates for youth justice reform, particularly Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who chairs the state’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Legislative Caucus. Solages expressed her gratitude, stating, “I appreciate the governor’s decision to keep Raise the Age reform out of this year’s budget,” underscoring her caucus’s commitment to protecting the law intact.
The Raise the Age law, enacted in 2017, raised the age of criminal responsibility in New York to 18 years. Solages emphasized the need for a permanent funding mechanism in the budget to ensure localities can effectively implement this law and keep young people out of prison. “We will continue to fight for accountability and the necessary resources to uphold justice for young people,” she added.
Earlier this week, voices from advocacy groups expressed concern over potential discussions regarding changes to the law following meetings with the governor’s office. In a separate statement, DAASNY President Mary Pat Donnelly highlighted the need for clarity on when extraordinary circumstances would allow cases to be tried in criminal court instead of family court, especially in cases involving firearms.
The potential implications of any amendments to the law have raised emotional stakes, as advocates fear that altering the provisions could lead to harsher penalties for young offenders. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch have also voiced support for reevaluating the law, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
As the budget address approaches, all eyes are on Hochul—and the implications of her decisions on youth justice in New York. The next few days will be critical as lawmakers and advocates prepare for discussions surrounding the implementation and funding of the Raise the Age law in its current form.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and the budget is officially released. The decisions made in the coming days will have lasting impacts on the future of young offenders in New York.
