New York Discovery Law Reform Stalls Budget Talks as Debate Intensifies

Governor Hochul and NYC District Attorneys push for amendments to reduce case dismissals, facing resistance from progressive lawmakers defending Kalief's Law.

• Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed amendments aim to ease prosecutorial burdens by limiting evidence collection to relevant materials and requiring defense attorneys to prove missing evidence impacts case outcomes before dismissals.
• NYC District Attorneys, including Alvin Bragg and Darcel Clark, advocate for reforms to prevent technical dismissals that allow offenders to avoid prosecution.
• Progressive lawmakers oppose changes, arguing that dismissals are a necessary safeguard to ensure timely evidence disclosure by prosecutors.
• The discovery law reform debate has become a key sticking point in finalizing New York's overdue state budget, originally due April 1.
• Both sides remain entrenched, with legislative leaders and Governor Hochul signaling willingness to extend budget negotiations to resolve the impasse.

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