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NYSAC Deploys New Task Force on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility

Advisory group will facilitate the implementation of the new state law that will raise the age of criminal responsibility for non-violent felons from 16 to 18.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has deployed an advisory group to facilitate the implementation of the new state law that will raise the age of criminal responsibility for non-violent felons from 16 to 18 by October 1, 2019.
While the implementation of the new law is still being developed at the state level, the public policies surrounding it will require new resources in county probation departments, county attorney's offices, mental health services, and social service agencies.
Recognizing the fiscal and operational impact the new law will have on New York's counties, the state budget included provisions for partial state reimbursement for the costs associated with raising the age of criminal responsibility.
"This mission of NYSAC's new Raising the Age (RTA) Taskforce is to gather input from the county departments directly impacted by the new law so that we can provide guidance and recommendations to the state officials developing its policies and procedures," said NYSAC President William E. Cherry, the Schoharie County Treasurer.
The Task Force will include representatives from probation, sheriffs, district attorneys, county attorneys, social services, and administration. The advisory group will be chaired by NYSAC 2nd Vice President, Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt, and include the following members:
Chair:                       Chuck Nesbitt, Orleans County Administrator
Members:                Alex Wilson, Counsel, Sheriff's Association
Tony Jordan, District Attorney, Washington County
Bob Masters, District Attorney, Queens
Kira Pospesel, DSS Commissioner, Greene County
Robert Iusi, Warren County Probation Director
New York City Mayor's Representative
"This law will require initial and sustained investments in critical county departments, and this task force is charged with identifying those areas of investments and other unintentional consequences that may result from it," said Task Force Chairman Nesbitt.
"Our State leaders have made this is a top priority in New York, and now their partners in government at the county level and in the court system must work together to make this law work for the young New Yorkers it is designed to support," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. "This Task Force will help the State implement the new law mindful of its impact on local taxpayers and law enforcement officials."


Media Contact: Mark LaVigne, NYSAC Deputy Director, 518-465-1473 

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