Ensures repeat offenders qualify for bail and pre-trial detention when the principal has been convicted of one or more misdemeanor or felony offenses

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Alexis Weik says this is needed

This bill seeks to address one of the major flaws of bail reform legis- lation that was hastily passed in the 2019-2020 budget. Under bail reform, repeat offenders will continue to be released pending trial as long as the crime they have committed is not a "qualifying" offense. Law enforcement will continue to see the same individuals repeatedly without the ability of getting them off the streets. In two recent incidents, for example, Steven Haynes assaulted a NYPD police officer, and despite twenty-four prior arrests, the court was prohibited from issuing bail. Tiffany Harris, punched two Jewish women in an anti-Semitic attack but the courts were forced to release her. The following day, she attacked another woman and the courts were once again forced to release her pend- ing trial. This legislation would give courts the discretion to issue bail or hold an individual pending trial if they have shown a pattern of breaking the law.

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.