Hochul and Zeldin speak about “dangerousness standard” that local lawmakers have proposed

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Much of the midterm discussion has been centered around bail reform in New York State.

It’s been controversial since it was rolled out in 2020 in New York State and it’s been a heated topic in this year’s race for governor.

We reported on how some Rochester City Council members want judges to have more discretion when considering bail. Under the proposed ‘dangerousness standard’, judges could keep defendants charged with gun crimes in jail if they believe they pose a risk to society.

The two candidates running for governor were asked about this topic. Here’s what Gov. Hochul had to say.

“The test isn’t dangerousness, that’s what people are saying,” Hochul said. “They want to see the bail laws which we never had before anyhow. So we have worked with our mental health professionals, we’re actually retraining the law enforcement too.”

Her opponent, Congressman Lee Zeldin, was in Rochester on Thursday. Here’s what he had to say:

“There’s a reason why Bob Duffy, Democrat former lieutenant governor, Eric Adams, Democrat sitting NYC mayor, and others are calling for judges to have discretion to weigh dangerousness. I believe this is a standard that must be set today,” Zeldin said.

Election day is a week and a half away. Early voting begins on October 29 and the last day you can vote early is November 6.