Significant changes to New York’s criminal justice system will take effect Thursday as part of the state’s 2025-2026 budget, with new amendments to the discovery laws aimed at strengthening the legal process for both victims and defendants.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the updates during a press conference in Albany, saying the reforms are designed to support survivors of serious crimes, ensure accountability for offenders, and protect the constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.
One key amendment is intended to prevent criminal cases from being dismissed over what officials describe as “insignificant” technical errors. The goal, Hochul said, is to strike a better balance between due process and public safety.
“These changes are about common sense and fairness,” Hochul said. “We want to make sure justice is served without unnecessary delays or dismissals that hurt victims and undermine trust in the system.”
The discovery law changes come amid ongoing debate over bail reform and pretrial procedures in New York, with lawmakers and advocates divided over how to best improve public safety while protecting civil liberties.
