NY Governor Vetoes Bill Easing Conviction Challenges

The vetoed bill, favored by criminal justice reformers, would have expanded the types of evidence considered for post-conviction relief.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for people who have pleaded guilty to crimes to challenge their convictions.
The bill was favored by criminal justice reformers but opposed by prosecutors who argued it would flood the courts with frivolous claims.
The bill would have expanded the types of evidence that could be considered proof of innocence, including video footage or evidence of someone else confessing to a crime.
Under current state law, criminal defendants who plead guilty are usually barred from trying to get their cases reopened based on a new claim of innocence, except in certain circumstances involving new DNA evidence.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie, who sponsored the bill, is considering reintroducing it in the next legislative session.