Senator Pam Helming is calling on New Yorkers to speak out against a proposed parole board rule that she says could put violent felons back on the streets.
The proposal would give special parole consideration to offenders who committed violent crimes as minors—including those convicted of murder and predatory sexual assault. The public comment period is open until October 12.
Under the new rule, the state Board of Parole would weigh an offender’s age and brain development at the time of the crime more heavily than the crime’s severity or its impact on victims.
Sen. Helming says this change could allow individuals serving life sentences for brutal crimes to be considered for early release simply because they were under 18 when they committed them.
“Prioritizing developmental considerations over public safety and victims’ rights in such extreme cases is unacceptable,” Helming said. “It is also unacceptable that the members of the Board of Parole have the unilateral authority to make such a sweeping and dangerous change. The Board of Parole should be focused on prioritizing public safety, not driving our state further down a path that prioritizes convicted violent felons over law-abiding citizens.”
She cited the case of Chad Campbell, who was 14 when he killed his classmate and a 17-month-old child she was babysitting. Cases like his, she argues, should not be subject to special parole treatment.
How to submit a public comment
The proposed change is currently under review. Public feedback is being accepted through October 12 by email at rules@doccs.ny.gov.
“This is a dangerous shift,” Helming said. “It undermines victims, threatens public safety, and erodes trust in our justice system.”
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