New York Lawmakers Urged to Revisit “Raise the Age” Legislation
District attorneys across New York are calling for changes to the state’s controversial “Raise the Age” law, citing a troubling increase in youth violent crime. The plea comes as Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature return to Albany this week, with uncertainty surrounding whether they will address the issue.
Governor Hochul, who is set to outline her 2026 policy agenda in her upcoming “State of the State” speech, previously expressed willingness to consider changes to Raise the Age. However, her current stance on the matter remains unclear.
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, also the president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between prosecutors, lawmakers, and the Governor to address the shortcomings of the law and address the rise in youth gun violence.
The controversial law, signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18, preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from being automatically tried in adult court in most cases. Prior to the legislation, New York was one of only two states that treated 16 and 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system.
Supporters of Raise the Age argue that the law has been effective in keeping young individuals out of the adult system and reducing harm. They point to data showing that youth felony and violent felony arrests have remained stable since the law’s implementation, with reoffending rates at or below pre-Raise the Age levels.
Governor Hochul, who is facing re-election this year, may encounter opposition from over 200 criminal justice groups that have formed a coalition to defend Raise the Age. Additionally, she must navigate potential challenges from lawmakers, including State Senator Jabari Brisport, who recently endorsed her Democratic primary challenger, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.
In recent years, Governor Hochul has faced contentious battles with the state legislature over criminal justice issues, securing adjustments to the discovery process and bail reforms. As she navigates the political landscape leading up to the election, Hochul will need to address concerns raised by critics, including Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who plans to link her to criminal justice reforms like Raise the Age.
