Prosecutors demand changes to NY’s Raise the Age law as Hochul weighs proposals

New York State lawmakers are facing pressure to make changes to the controversial “Raise the Age” law, as district attorneys across the state highlight a disturbing increase in youth violent crime. The plea for revisions comes as Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature return to Albany this week.

Governor Hochul, who is scheduled to deliver her 2026 policy agenda in her upcoming “State of the State” speech on January 13, had previously expressed openness to reconsidering Raise the Age. However, her stance on the matter has been relatively quiet since then.

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, who also serves as the president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, emphasized the need for collaboration between district attorneys, the legislature, and the governor to address the shortcomings of the law and combat the rise in youth gun violence.

The Raise the Age law, signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017, raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18, preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from being tried in adult court in most cases. Prior to the law, New York was one of only two states that automatically tried 16 and 17-year-olds as adults.

Supporters of the law argue that it has been effective in keeping young people out of the adult system and reducing harm. They point to data showing that youth reoffending rates are at or below pre-Raise the Age levels.

However, critics of the law have raised concerns about the increase in youth violent crime and are calling for changes that align with the original intent of the law while prioritizing both the rehabilitation of adolescent offenders and community safety.

Governor Hochul, who is up for reelection this year, may face resistance from over 200 criminal justice groups that have formed a coalition to defend Raise the Age. Additionally, Hochul’s potential primary challenger, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, has already garnered support from lawmakers like State Sen. Jabari Brisport, signaling a potential challenge from the left.

As Hochul navigates these political dynamics, she will need to address the concerns raised by district attorneys and stakeholders regarding the implementation and impact of the Raise the Age law. The upcoming legislative session in Albany will likely be a critical period for shaping the future of juvenile justice in New York State.