As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Less Is More Act being signed into law on September 17, we have some exciting implementation updates to share. We learned from the Governor's office that all the retroactive earned time credits have been awarded, ahead of the September 1 deadline in the law. As a result, 12,930 people have been discharged early from community supervision since March 1, reducing the community supervision population across the state by nearly 40 percent!
DOCCS is still behind on awarding the credits people have earned since March 1 (these are separate from the retroactive credits). However, they are expected to be caught up on those by September 1. We are monitoring and working to resolve implementation issues, particularly with the hearing process. If you or a loved one is missing retroactive credits, please reach out to Emily from Unchained at emily@weareunchained.org.
We also recently launched a new page on the #LessIsMoreNY campaign website highlighting success stories from people who have benefited from Less Is More. Here's an excerpt from Rashaan's story: "I can now finally continue to do my work in the community with no barriers, visit my family without the fear of a curfew violation, and travel the world.” |