Staten Island Reporter

Senate Minority Conference members, alongside Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, have urged the Governor and state Legislature to introduce significant changes to the current discovery laws within the state's budget. Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and other Senate Republicans have voiced concerns about the impact of existing laws on public safety and the justice system.

"As a prosecutor with over 32 years of experience, and as the District Attorney of one of the largest counties in the state, I’ve witnessed firsthand how 'Cashless Bail' and 'Discovery Reform’ Laws have compromised public safety," said Donnelly, drawing attention to the challenges faced by law enforcement and the judicial system. She criticized the current system for allowing criminals to "walk free on technicalities" and for placing communities in vulnerable positions.

Both Ortt and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Andrew Lanza highlighted the consequences of the 2019 discovery reforms. "The reforms proposed by the Governor in her budget were at least a step in the right direction, but once again our colleagues in the Senate Majority have shown they have zero regard for public safety. It’s time to stop prioritizing criminals over crime victims," Ortt asserted.

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick emphasized the perceived imbalance in the justice system, noting, "Since 2019, the Legislature has had its thumb on the scales of justice in favor of criminal defendants, and it has come at the expense of victims and public safety."

The call for reform coincides with ongoing budget negotiations, where the Senate and Assembly have yet to address amendments to New York State’s discovery laws. Reports suggest a 455 percent increase in case dismissals in New York City courts since the 2019 changes, affecting approximately 50,000 cases.