Enacts the family court adjusted service time (FAST) act

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why the sponsor says this is needed

The Family Court of the State of New York has the authority to decide cases affecting the lives of children and families. Many of the courts in New York City remain open in the evening and some are even open until 1:00am, but not Family Court. This often means issues involving families and children are not addressed as quickly as they should be. This is despite the fact that Family Court handles some of the most vulnerable people who enter the justice system. Among the issues that Family Court handles includes child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency and child custody. Many of these cases need to be handled in a timely fashion and this legislation addresses a great disparity between Family Court and the other courts which operate in New York City. This legislation would create a pilot program for Family Court in New York City, to remain open until midnight one day per week in 3 counties. It would also require a report be submitted to determine the effective- ness of evening family court.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.