Early Release or Second Chance? Earned Time Bill Sparks Heated Political Fight

Rochester-area Democrats are leading a renewed push for criminal justice reform in New York state with the reintroduction of the Earned Time Act, a bill that would allow certain incarcerated individuals to shorten their sentences by participating in rehabilitation programs and maintaining good behavior.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester and Sen. Samra Brouk, D-Rochester, is part of a broader “Communities Not Cages” initiative backed by progressive lawmakers. The package includes proposals to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences and expand judicial discretion through laws like the Second Look Act.

Supporters say the Earned Time Act would promote rehabilitation, improve prison safety and reduce recidivism by offering incentives for individuals to participate in education, job training and mental health services.

“People should leave prison better than when they entered,” Cooney said. “This bill gives people the tools and motivation to do just that.”

But the proposal has drawn strong criticism from local Republicans, who argue it would lead to the early release of violent offenders and undermine public safety.

Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Patrick Reilly issued a statement Monday denouncing the bill as “a slap in the face to every crime victim and every law enforcement officer in this state.”

“Sen. Cooney’s so-called ‘Earned Time Act’ would let violent criminals — rapists, murderers and repeat offenders — walk free after serving just a fraction of their sentence,” Reilly said. “That’s not justice. That’s insanity.”

Reilly also criticized the timing of the bill’s promotion, which came during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

“Monroe County residents deserve leaders who stand with victims and police, not ones who cut deals to put violent offenders back on our streets early,” he said.

Democrats contend the bill includes safeguards and does not guarantee release but allows incarcerated individuals to earn sentence reductions through consistent, positive behavior. The legislation is currently under review in the state Assembly and Senate.

As debate continues in Albany, both parties are expected to use the issue to mobilize supporters, with Democrats emphasizing rehabilitation and equity, and Republicans focusing on public safety and accountability.

"Incarceration without rehabilitation is a missed opportunity to set these individuals up for success and promote safety both inside and outside of the prison walls,” Cooney noted.