UPDATE: New York lawmakers are gearing up for an intense debate as calls to reform the controversial Raise the Age law gain momentum. This urgent discussion comes as district attorneys and city officials demand changes to the 2017 legislation that currently prevents youth offenders aged 16 and 17 from being tried as adults.
Just announced, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has highlighted the need for reform, with newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch voicing strong support for amendments. “The number of kids that are victims of shootings is up 83%,” Tisch stated during a Citizens Budget Commission event in September. “We need to listen to that data.”
The Raise the Age law, which shifted criminal responsibility to 18 years old, is facing renewed scrutiny after district attorneys from across the state expressed concerns over its implications for public safety. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York is pushing for legislative action in the upcoming budget, arguing that the current system complicates prosecutions involving youthful offenders.
During the recent SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, Bronx DA Darcel Clark and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez discussed the challenges posed by this law. Clark has been advocating for amendments since 2021, while Gonzalez’s office remained tight-lipped on specifics.
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, a staunch supporter of Raise the Age, emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial discretion, stating, “I don’t believe that we should have a bartering as it relates to which charges are going to be held in family court as opposed to going into the adult court youth part.” Walker described the discussions as productive but reiterated her opposition to changing the law.
As the debate intensifies, Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to take a definitive stance on the proposed reforms. Her office reiterated her commitment to reviewing all relevant laws as the legislative session approaches. “I will be looking at all the laws… and talking about what is best for the people of this state,” Hochul commented in August.
The urgent call for reform comes as many stakeholders, including members of the state Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Legislative Caucus, are actively involved in working groups aimed at finding solutions that prioritize both public safety and the protection of youth. Caucus chair Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages stated, “Raise the Age was established to protect children, and any conversation about this law must start with the truth that its biggest challenges are fiscal.”
With the legislative session approaching, stakeholders are preparing for further negotiations. The outcome could significantly impact how youth offenders are treated in New York’s criminal justice system. As discussions continue, the pressure mounts for lawmakers to act swiftly and responsibly.
What happens next? The coming weeks will be critical as lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders engage in discussions to shape the future of the Raise the Age law. The stakes are high, and with public safety at the forefront, the urgency for change has never been greater.
