We are thrilled to highlight two recent legislative victories, both of which have implications for young people in New York State. Youth Represent is proud to have supported the HALT Solitary and Start SMART New York campaigns, both of which centered grassroots organizing and racial justice to win transformative changes to the criminal legal system in our state.
Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
New York became the 15th state to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis with the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) (S.854-A/A.1248-A). Under the MRTA many New Yorkers, including Youth Represent clients, will have past marijuana convictions for low-level possession automatically expunged. Some related cases, including low-level sale and some felonies, may be expunged or vacated. This means that people currently incarcerated for such offenses have a chance at well-deserved freedom immediately.
While the law sets the legal age for marijuana consumption at 21, youth under 21 cannot be arrested for low-level marijuana possession or sale. For possession of three ounces or less of marijuana, youth under 21 face a civil penalty and fine of no more than $50. The legislation makes progress towards addressing the racism that has long permeated New York’s marijuana laws by ensuring that tax revenue from legal marijuana will be used for restitution in Black, Latinx, and other communities of color most impacted by criminalization. In addition, the MRTA creates a social and economic equity program to encourage New Yorkers in areas hit the hardest to get jobs and participate in the industry.
We have updated our “Know Your Rights” workshops to include these policy changes to ensure our clients have the most up-to-date information on their rights and are finishing an FAQ for young people to better understand the changes.
HERE is a great resource for more information from the Legal Aid Society NY.
Halt Solitary Confinement Act
On April 1st, the HALT Solitary Confinement Act (S2836/A2277A) was signed into law, reforming the inhumane practice of segregated confinement in New York State prisons and jails. This legislation prohibits isolation exceeding 15 days and bans solitary confinement for vulnerable populations, including young people 21 and under, individuals age 55 and over, and people with disabilities and serious mental illness. It clearly defines and reduces the number of disciplinary infractions eligible for segregated confinement.
HERE is a great resource for more information from Start SMART.