Two state lawmakers in New York have proposed a measure that would require judges who preside over criminal courts to undergo yearly training for the state’s bail laws.
This comes as Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed changes to the existing bail law in her $227 billion budget plan.
While Democrats who control the state Senate and Assembly have been hesitant to embrace changes to the bail law, they have suggested that judges need better training to administer the bail law as it stands. However, this proposal for training was rejected by top state court officials.
Additionally, the lawmakers have proposed a measure that would tighten investigative oversight by the Commission on Judicial Conduct.
This would empower the Commission to investigate judges who have retired or resigned from the bench, closing what legislators refer to as a loophole. These proposals are aimed at restoring the public’s trust in the judicial branch of government and ensuring that the administration of justice is impartial and competent.
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