Advocates call for passage of Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills

Advocates say they are heading to Albany January 18th to call for the passage of the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills. Organizations such as VOCAL-NY and Release Aging People in Prison have been leading the charge to have the bills passed. Both bills give incarcerated populations potential pathways for release.

This is not the first attempt advocates have had at passing both pieces of legislation.  Proponents came together to push for the bill during last session, only for it to be killed. The pushback came from Republicans and moderate Democrats. Now, advocates are ready to fight for it again.

If passed, both bills mean expanding access to parole for those who are eligible. The Elder Parole bill would allow incarcerated individuals over the age of 55, who have served 15 years, to appeal for parole every two years. The Fair & Timely Parole bill would allow an incarcerated person to become eligible for parole based on behavior and merit, unless they pose a risk. 

“The passage of these bills will reunite families and give transformed incarcerated people a meaningful chance to come home from prison to be mentors, violence interrupters, social justice leaders, and more in their communities, things that are needed to improve community safety.”  said TeAna Taylor, co-director of policy and communications for RAPP.

“2023 is the year for parole justice. While our campaign received strong support last session from more than a majority of state lawmakers and thousands of directly impacted families, along the many of the state’s largest crime victim and survivor advocates, labor unions, older adult services providers, current and former law enforcement, and more, we did not face any pushback – only a lack of political will,” Taylor added. “Since then, we have only grown, organizing and building power in every corner of the state, from Long Island to the five boroughs to Westchester and the Hudson Valley to Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.”

The goal of the bills is to re-evaluate an incarcerated person’s sentencing based on who they are today, what they have done to change, and whether they pose a risk if released. Currently, the bills are supported by 350 organizations across New York State. 

Advocates argue that the crisis of aging and dying behind bars is due to extreme sentencing and racially biased parole boards. From October 2018 to 2020, 41% of white people, compared to 34% of Black people and 33% of Latinx people, were granted parole release from the parole board. 

Currently, both bills are in committee. 

“Together, the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills will reunite families, heal communities, and help to end mass incarceration.” said Taylor. 

“It’s about transformation and healing. And when our state finally values transformation and healing above permanent punishment and vengeance, we will all have more peace.”