Statement from the Correctional Association of New York on the Signing of the Prison Omnibus Bill by Governor Kathy Hochul
December 19, 2025
Contact: media@correctionalassociation.org
Brooklyn, NY: The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) commends Governor Kathy Hochul for signing the Prison Omnibus Bill to strengthen transparency and oversight of New York State’s prisons. Following the murders of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi, and an unlawful strike that crippled prison operations across the state, resulting in ongoing disruptions to basic services, the signing of this comprehensive legislation signals a firm commitment to accountability and reform within New York’s troubled prison system.
The legislation equips CANY with additional tools to fulfill its mandate as the state’s independent prison oversight entity, including new authority to enter state correctional facilities with 24 hours’ notice to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and, for the first time, regular access to records maintained by DOCCS. The law also codifies CANY’s right to exchange privileged correspondence with incarcerated individuals, which provides the necessary confidentiality for individuals wishing to report problems.
The legislation also addresses gaps in existing law that have resulted in diminished public trust, including prompt public notification of deaths in custody, disclosure of video footage in cases involving correctional officers, and comprehensive camera coverage to eliminate blind spots. These measures align with recommendations previously made by CANY and will help prevent misconduct, improve safety for individuals living and working in correctional facilities, and ensure accountability across the system.
CANY recognizes Senator Julia Salazar, Assembly Member Erik Dilan, and Governor Hochul for their leadership, and the advocates and lawmakers who championed these reforms. We look forward to exercising CANY’s expanded statutory authority to ensure that New York’s prisons are safe and humane for all.
About CANY
The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) is an independent, non-profit organization with a legislative mandate to monitor and report on the conditions in New York State prisons. CANY was founded in 1844 and deputized by the state to provide monitoring and oversight of the state’s prisons in 1846, making it one of the first organizations in the country to administer civilian oversight of prisons. CANY conducts monitoring visits, publishes reports, and informs policy to improve conditions in New York State prisons.