Rochester Democrats Renew Push for Criminal Justice Reform With Earned Time Act

Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester and Sen. Samra Brouk, D-Rochester

Rochester-area Democrats are reviving efforts for criminal justice reform in New York with the reintroduction of the Earned Time Act, a bill that would allow some incarcerated individuals to reduce their sentences through good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.

State Sens. Jeremy Cooney and Samra Brouk, both Democrats from Rochester, are sponsoring the legislation, which is part of a broader “Communities Not Cages” initiative backed by progressive lawmakers. The package also includes measures to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences and expand judicial discretion, such as through the proposed Second Look Act.

Supporters say the Earned Time Act would incentivize education, job training and mental health treatment in prison, ultimately promoting rehabilitation, improving safety behind bars and reducing recidivism.

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

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from local Republicans, who argue it could result in the early release of violent offenders and threaten public safety.

Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Patrick Reilly released a statement Monday calling the bill “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 took issue with the timing of the bill’s promotion, which coincided with 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 argue the bill includes safeguards and does not guarantee early release. Instead, it offers incarcerated individuals an opportunity to earn time off their sentences through consistent positive behavior and participation in approved programs.

The legislation is currently under consideration in both the state Senate and Assembly.

As debate continues in Albany, both parties are expected to use the issue to galvanize supporters — Democrats focusing on rehabilitation and equity, and Republicans emphasizing 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 said.