NY Governor Vetoes Bill Easing Conviction Challenges

Overview

• 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.