Republican State Senators Rob Rolison and Dean Murray have formally asked the New York State Board of Parole to reject a proposed rule change that would affect how parole decisions are made for individuals convicted of violent crimes as minors. The senators sent a letter to Daryl Towns, Chairman of the NYS Board of Parole, expressing concern that the proposal could threaten public safety across New York.
The proposed rule would require the Board to give greater weight to an offender’s age and “brain development” at the time of their crime when considering parole, rather than focusing on factors such as the risk posed to the community, details of the crime, or its impact on victims. This would apply specifically to those serving life sentences for crimes committed before turning eighteen—sentences typically reserved for severe offenses like murder and sexual assault.
Recent reports indicate that both victimization and perpetration of violent crimes by teens have increased in New York following implementation of Raise the Age legislation, which changed how young offenders are treated in the justice system.
Senator Rob Rolison said, “During my time as a police officer in the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, I saw firsthand the lifelong scars left on victims and families by crimes so violent and heinous that a life sentence is the only just outcome. The Parole Board’s duty is to protect the public and stand with victims—not to create a path for offenders who have already proven they are capable of unimaginable harm. Public safety must be the top priority for government, never an afterthought. This proposal tips the scales toward the offender at the expense of the community. I stand with victims, and with Senator Murray, in urging the Board to reject it outright.”
Senator Dean Murray also raised concerns about bypassing legislative oversight: “The number one responsibility of the NYS Parole Board should be to ensure the public’s safety. This rule change flies in the face of that responsibility. I am also extremely concerned that this rule change very much mirrors changes included in legislation, (S.159) “Fair and Timely Parole”, that was introduced, but did not pass, the NYS Senate earlier this year. Rather than going through the body that represents the people of New York, the state legislature, the parole board decided to bypass and ignore the legislature and adopt this controversial change, on their own, through a rule change. I fear this will have deadly consequences.”
The letter further states: “Now is not the time to adopt a policy which seeks to negate criminal culpability for violent offenders who have already demonstrated a willingness to endanger their communities and inflict serious harm on others. The Parole Board must instead prioritize public safety and ensure that dangerous criminals, regardless of age, are not released back into the community.”
The proposed rule is currently open for public comment until October 12th, 2025. Residents are encouraged by Senators Rolison and Murray to submit feedback via email at rules@doccs.ny.gov.
