NYCLU on Governor Hochul Signing the Less is More Act

ALBANY – Today, Governor Hochul signed the Less is More Act into law, which, once implemented, will prevent most people accused of technical parole violations from being put behind bars, and provide protections to ensure people are not incarcerated while their alleged parole violation is adjudicated.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“It is past time that New York’s regressive parole regime gets the overhaul it has desperately needed to end the vindictive, discriminatory, and inhumane practice of incarcerating people on parole for non-criminal technicalities.

“New York must stop incarcerating people for most technical violations, limit sanctions for others, end the practice of automatic incarceration before parole violation hearings, and afford people accused of violating parole their right to a speedy hearing before a judge without delay. We are heartened to see Governor Hochul listening to people on parole, their families, and those experiencing a humanitarian crisis on Rikers Island at this very moment, and hope New York City and state will now take immediate action to reduce inequity within our broken criminal legal system.”