Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has introduced the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering (SERVE) Our Communities Act, aimed at curbing rising crime rates and supporting law enforcement in New York. Tenney was joined by fellow Republican Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) in unveiling the legislation.
The SERVE Our Communities Act proposes $10 million in federal grant funding for states with laws enabling judges to assess the dangerousness of individuals when determining bail or pretrial release. To qualify for the funding, states must demonstrate active efforts to hire and retain law enforcement officers or initiate public campaigns to improve police-community relations.
“We must end the ongoing cycle of crime caused by Albany’s bail reform policies, which prioritize criminals over law-abiding New Yorkers,” Tenney said. “The SERVE Our Communities Act incentivizes states to prioritize law enforcement and public safety by repealing these harmful and misguided policies.”
The bill comes in response to concerns over New York’s 2019 bail reform law, which eliminated cash bail and expanded pretrial release options for several misdemeanor and felony charges. Critics argue the changes have led to increased recidivism and compromised public safety.
Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “I support any legislation that supports training and educating those in the legal system who are charged with determining the custody status of repeat offenders.”
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement recruitment and retention. “To ensure public safety in our communities, we must hire and retain law enforcement officers that meet the highest standards in policing. At the same time, we must hold criminal offenders accountable, especially those repeat offenders that continue to victimize others and continually reoffend,” Schenck said.
Sheriff Schenck added that judges, district attorneys, and law enforcement officers must have the tools necessary to keep dangerous individuals in custody when warranted.
Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson praised the legislation for addressing the consequences of the state’s bail reform policies. “We need to hold repeat offenders accountable, and I hope that this bill helps to bring change to New York State with respect to courts gaining the authority to use a dangerousness standard when assessing bail or pretrial release,” Thompson said.
The SERVE Our Communities Act is positioned as both a policy and funding initiative to address gaps in the current criminal justice system while bolstering law enforcement resources. Proponents are calling on bipartisan support to move the legislation forward.
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