URGENT UPDATE: New York lawmakers are gearing up for a heated debate over the Raise the Age law, a controversial 2017 policy that prevents youth offenders from being tried as adults. With the new legislative session approaching, calls for reform are intensifying, fueled by alarming crime statistics and pressure from key officials.
Just announced by New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is advocating for immediate changes to the law. Tisch, who will continue in her role when Mamdani takes office in January, claims that the law has fostered a “consequence-free environment” for youth offenders. “The number of kids that are victims of shootings is up 83%. Since those laws changed, the number of kids that are shooters is up almost a hundred percent,” she stated at a September event.
During the recent SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, discussions on the law drew participation from influential figures like Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Clark has publicly supported amending the Raise the Age law since 2021, while Gonzalez’s office has refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations.
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, a staunch defender of the law, voiced her concerns, stating, “We need to allow judges the discretion to make the best decisions.” She has described the recent discussions among lawmakers as productive, yet remains firmly opposed to changing the policy.
As pressure mounts, the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York is also calling for legislative action. The group argues that the law complicates cases involving youth offenders, as many are handled in sealed family courts, limiting access for law enforcement and district attorneys. DAASNY President Mary Pat Donnelly emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “We need to know what’s going on in family courts to make informed decisions.”
Calls for reform have been amplified by the alarming rise in youth violence, prompting Tisch to prioritize the issue in Albany next year. “We need to listen to that data,” she affirmed.
While Governor Kathy Hochul has not taken a definitive stance, her office has indicated she will review all laws upon returning to the legislative session. Hochul previously mentioned, “I will be looking at all the laws…talking about what is best for the people of this state.”
Meanwhile, members of the state’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Legislative Caucus are advocating for a funding mechanism to support youth programs rather than changing the law itself. Caucus chair Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages stated, “Attempts to change the law through the budget are irresponsible and misguided.”
The outcome of this legislative debate could significantly impact New York’s approach to youth crime, with ongoing negotiations expected. As the discussions evolve, many are keenly watching how the administration and lawmakers respond to these pressing issues.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, with stakeholders committed to finding a balance between protecting youth and addressing rising crime rates.
