Saratoga Standard

New York State's correctional facilities are facing a crisis, with both the safety of workers and inmates at risk. Correction officers have been striking across the state to protest deteriorating work conditions, which include understaffing, mandatory overtime, and excessively long shifts. A significant point of contention is the HALT Act, passed in 2022, which limits disciplinary procedures in prisons.

Senator Jim Tedisco has voiced strong opposition to the HALT Act. He stated that "the misguided HALT Act and other reckless policies passed by the Governor and Majorities have empowered violent inmates" and created a crisis in correctional facilities. The Department of Corrections reported an 85% increase in assaults on correction officers from 2019 to 2024. Additionally, inmate-on-inmate assaults have risen by 81% since the law's enactment.

Senator Tedisco supports correction officers who he believes are working under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. He participated in a roundtable discussion with Senate Minority colleagues and families of correction officers to address these safety concerns.

The Senator also expressed concern for National Guard members serving in prisons without adequate training or support. He criticized placing them "in harm’s way by this governor supported by the Legislature's Majorities from both houses."

Senator Tedisco sponsors legislation (S.2656) aiming to repeal the HALT Act quickly, calling for common sense management of correctional facilities. He also advocates repealing laws like “Less is More” and “Raise the Age,” citing their contribution to rising crime rates and burdens on facilities.

"The crisis in our correctional facilities cannot be allowed to continue," Senator Tedisco asserted, urging immediate action from the Governor to repeal the HALT Act.