Public Defense Act of 2009 (A.8793) Voted Out of Judiciary Committee

The Judiciary Committee in the State Assembly voted out the Public Defense Act of 2009 (A.8793) this morning (June 16). The Campaign issued a press release lauding the Committee’s actions.

It is important to move A.8793 though the committees that must approve it before it can come to the floor of the Assembly. By acting now, the Judiciary Committee has helped ensure this reform will be poised for passage in both houses once the bill is introduced in the Senate and that body is again in session.

The Campaign asks its endorsers -- and all supporters of public defense reform -- to:

Thank the Judiciary Committee members, especially Chair Helene Weinstein (518-455-5462), for this much-needed action that furthers momentum for an Independent Public Defense Commission and to:

Contact Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (518-455-3791) and say the Assembly should pass A. 8793 as soon as possible.