1. End the Felony Murder Law

New York’s felony murder law allows people to be convicted of murder even if they did not directly cause or intend a death. It disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, with 86% of convictions since 2002 involving Black or Latinx defendants. The law often enables the most culpable individuals to receive reduced sentences via plea deals while those less involved serve longer terms. We support legislation to ensure only those who directly cause or intend death are charged with murder.

 2. Restore Voting Rights to Incarcerated Citizens

PBT demands full voting rights for incarcerated New Yorkers. Voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Denying the vote to incarcerated citizens—especially in a state with large Black and Brown prison populations—perpetuates systemic racial disenfranchisement. States like Maine and Vermont allow incarcerated citizens to vote. New York must do the same to uphold democracy and foster civic reintegration.

3. Ensure Parole Fairness

Too often, parole is denied based solely on the original crime, not on who a person has become. The parole board wields unchecked power, acting as a second sentencing body. PBT calls for legislation requiring parole decisions to prioritize rehabilitation, personal transformation, and risk assessment—not political backlash or the outdated “nature of the crime.” Fair and timely parole is essential to reducing the aging prison population and honoring due process.

4. Expand Youth Justice & Raise the Age of Responsibility

New York must re-examine how it treats young people in the justice system—especially those ages 19–26 with serious convictions. Many young offenders are sentenced harshly without access to rehabilitative credits or second chances. We support expanding Young Offender status, including for those with A-I and A-II convictions, and raising the age of full responsibility to reflect brain development science. No youth should be discarded because of one moment in their adolescence.

5. Expand Access to Earned Time Credits (LCTA, Good Time, Merit Time)

Currently, many incarcerated individuals—particularly those with “violent” convictions—are excluded from earning time off their sentences, even after years of rehabilitation. PBT urges lawmakers to expand eligibility for earned time programs like LCTA and Merit Time to all people in prison, regardless of sentence class. Education, personal growth, and transformation must be rewarded fairly and consistently.