Facing a budget deadline of midnight Thursday, New York state lawmakers appear ready to do something that they said only last week was unthinkable -- change the bail reform laws. MKramerTV explains.
The potential compromise would allow judges to set cash bail for repeat offenders who have been given multiple desk appearance tickets, and for certain gun crimes. It does not allow judges to consider"dangerousness," something sought by both the governor and mayor.
Sources also told Kramer the deal is also expected to include increased funding for mental health treatment and increased funding for pretrial, diversion and employment programs. The head of the Legal Aid Society's de-carceration program said change isn't necessary and it will end up victimizing Black and brown New Yorkers
"If these changes go into effect, the next person to die on Rikers Island is going to be somebody who was there on petit larceny," Ndiaye said.