Relates to failure to complete a program for time allowances due to circumstances beyond an individual's control
This bill (S 3974) amends New York State correction law to ensure incarcerated individuals do not lose earned time allowances if they fail to complete assigned work or treatment programs due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., medical issues or facility disruptions). It specifically revises sections of the correction law to clarify that time credits - earned through good behavior, program participation, or educational/vocational achievements - must not be withheld for such unavoidable circumstances. The policy directly affects incarcerated people in state facilities who qualify for time reductions under existing programs. The change aligns with current provisions but explicitly prevents punitive withholding of time allowances for factors outside an individual’s control.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Assembly Passage
May 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 31, 2025
Last action May 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
S3974
→
S3974A
·
2 edits
MINOR
This bill adds Senator Baskin as a co-sponsor and updates the legislative history to reflect that the bill has been reported favorably by the committee. It also amends the correction law to allow the Commissioner of Corrections to designate additional programs and achievements that qualify for merit time, expanding the flexibility for inmates to earn time off their sentences.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to allow the Commissioner of Corrections to define new qualifying programs for merit time, whereas the previous version only listed specific examples.
ELIGIBILITY
Added the authority for the Commissioner of Corrections to designate additional programs and achievements for which merit time may be granted.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill text to include Senator Baskin as a co-sponsor and recorded the bill's favorable committee report and recommitment.
Floor votes · Senate May 21, 2025 · Assembly May 28, 2026
How they voted
38–21
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 62
May 21, 2025
D
Democratic40
92% Yea
R
Republican22
90% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
21
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Amendments
1
May 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CORRECTION
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 3974A
upper
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
upper
May 22, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CORRECTION
lower
May 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 31, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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