Albany, N.Y. (WBEN) - The deadline for a New York State has come and gone as lawmakers in Albany and Governor Kathy Hochul continue to negotiate over proposals to change bail rules and create new housing.
The Senate formally adjourned until Monday according to Minority Leader Rob Ortt and the Assembly remained on call, however no action was anticipated. Hochul remains in Albany and there is no indication any weekend budget action is looming.
What's holding things up?
"It's strictly because the Senate and Assembly Democrats do not believe that any changes in cashless bail need to happen," said a frustrated Ortt during a briefing Friday afternoon.
Ortt characterizes the bail reform changes Hochul is proposing as the most modest possible while still making an impact. "Even though public safety remains at the top of the public's concerns," Ortt said Assembly and Senate Democrats continue to block the measure. "Most New Yorkers, including Democrats, will tell you some changes need to be made to cashless bail."
Hochul's proposed budget includes a change to the current bail law to give judges greater discretion by removing the "least restrictive means" standard to ensure a defendant returns to court. Hochul describes it as a clarification of guidelines, but liberal lawmakers have resisted further changes to the state's bail law.
"I think there's always room for compromise," state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters Thursday when asked about bail changes.
What happens next?
With the Senate adjourned until Monday, any weekend action is unlikely. "I don't know what's going to happen when we return on Monday," Ortt told reporters Friday. "Is it going to be an extender? Are there going to be bills? I don't know."
Another issue
Lawmakers also were focused on Hochul's proposal to spur the creation of 800,000 houses within the next 10 years to combat the housing crisis in the state. Some lawmakers have resisted mandates in the governor's housing plan.
Now what?
Hochul told New York State Public Radio the April 1 deadline would not be met, but that "it's not about a race to the deadline, it's about a race to getting the right results."
It was not clear how long it would take for the governor and lawmakers to reach an agreement.
It's not uncommon for state budgets to be late. Last year's budget, Hochul's first as governor, was approved nine days late.
