Overview

• 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.