Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

New York Budget Talks Stall as Hochul Rejects Tentative Deal on Discovery Law Reforms

State lawmakers and district attorneys reach a framework agreement on criminal discovery changes, but the governor insists on further concessions to finalize the overdue budget.

Image
Gov. Hochul conducts a meeting on discovery laws in Albany on April 10, 2025.
Image
Heastie told reporters Tuesday that the legislature had reached a "framework" of a deal on discovery reform.

Overview

  • New York's state budget remains unresolved three weeks past the deadline, with the state relying on temporary funding extensions.
  • Lawmakers and district attorneys have agreed on a tentative framework to amend the controversial 2019 criminal discovery laws, aiming to reduce case dismissals caused by technicalities.
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul has not accepted the proposed framework, emphasizing the need for additional changes to align with her policy priorities.
  • Other contentious issues in the budget negotiations include reforms to involuntary commitment laws and a proposed bill penalizing masked harassment.
  • Despite progress on some fronts, including MTA funding and a school smartphone ban, disagreements over key policy reforms keep the budget impasse unresolved.