ALBANY, N.Y.—Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled amendments to New York’s Discovery Laws, effective August 7, aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting crime victims while preserving defendants’ rights. Announced as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget, the reforms allocate $135 million to aid prosecutors and defenders in complying with discovery requirements. The changes address technical dismissals that have hindered justice, particularly for survivors of domestic violence, by refining evidence disclosure rules and protecting sensitive witness information. Hochul emphasized that these measures strengthen accountability and ensure a fair, speedy trial process, reinforcing New York’s commitment to a balanced justice system.
Strengthening Public Safety: Governor Hochul Announces Discovery Law Improvements to Take Effect This Week
Passed as Part of the FY26 Enacted Budget, Amendments to New York’s Discovery Laws Will Support Survivors, Hold Perpetrators Accountable and Safeguard Right to a Fair and Speedy Trial. $135 Million Will Enable Prosecutors and Defenders To Ensure Compliance with Discovery. Changes to Discovery Help To Rebalance the Scales of Justice in New York and Build Upon Governor Hochul’s Record Investments in Proven Crime Prevention Initiatives.
Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted essential changes to New York’s Discovery Laws, set to take effect on Thursday, August 7, at a press conference with New York District Attorneys, victim advocates and local law enforcement. Passed as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget agreement, amendments to the discovery process will support survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes, hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard the right to a fair and speedy trial in New York State.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my number one priority and this week, reforms that will make our public safety laws stronger go into effect — changes that enable us to better support survivors and close the revolving door of our court system,” Governor Hochul said. “Our Discovery Laws — some of the strongest for defendants in the country — ensure that our justice system works for both victims and public safety officers, rebalancing the scales of justice in New York.”
Common-sense adjustments to Discovery maintain due process for defendants while replacing a system that allowed for automatic dismissals based on technical errors and had adverse effects on survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes. With bipartisan support from District Attorneys, domestic violence victim advocates, religious leaders and business groups, these Discovery changes will:
- Require courts to consider the prosecutor’s efforts as a whole and whether any missing material prejudiced the defense, preventing cases from being thrown out over insignificant mistakes;
- Narrow the scope of the items that must be disclosed and cut out the need to seek certain materials that are irrelevant to the charges against the defendant, allowing prosecutors to better focus on gathering the evidence that really matters;
- Allow prosecutors to move the case forward after they have exercised good faith and due diligence to obtain discoverable material and disclosed everything they have actually obtained, even if there are items they are waiting on;
- Protect against manipulation of the speedy trial clock, requiring defense attorneys to bring challenges early in the case and confer with prosecutors to resolve issues and move cases forward quickly; and
- Streamline protections for sensitive witness information, both to protect witnesses and to facilitate a culture of witnesses feeling empowered to come forward.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “These changes give us the tools to better protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and keep cases moving without unnecessary delays. They strengthen public safety while ensuring fairness for everyone in our justice system.”
New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “We know that many crimes, especially sexual and domestic violence, go unreported. But when victims and survivors choose to report what happened to police, they deserve their case to be handled thoroughly and fairly. The rights of victims and individuals accused of crimes are not mutually exclusive. I thank Governor Hochul for her tireless efforts to ensure that our state’s justice system works for all.”
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to improving public safety. It takes all facets of a community and the criminal justice system working together to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable, the voices of victims and survivors are heard, and communities disproportionately affected by crime have opportunities, programs, and support to help make them whole.”
Rensselaer County District Attorney and District Attorneys Association of the State of New York President Mary Pat Donnelly said, “New York State’s prosecutors are thankful for the efforts of Governor Hochul and our legislative leaders for prioritizing the thorough examination of our state’s discovery law. The commonsense amendments that are being enacted will help minimize technical dismissals and ensure that victims of crime receive the justice they deserve. These amendments will make our communities safer while also protecting the rights of those accused of crimes.”
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said, “These discovery amendments are a victory for all New Yorkers who believe in a criminal justice system that protects and supports victims, rather than marginalize them. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when smart policy meets strong advocacy. I commend Governor Hochul, our legislators and my fellow district attorneys across New York State, who came together to bring these long overdue changes across the finish line.”
Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for having the foresight to fight for these Discovery reforms that will promote public safety and close the loophole on cases being dismissed for minor, technical violations. I believe in pragmatic solutions to criminal justice issues, and these common-sense adjustments will protect crime victims while upholding defendants’ rights to swift and fair prosecution of cases.”
Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her support of common sense discovery reform. I also thank our legislators and legislative leaders Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Carl Heastie for their commitment to improving our state’s discovery law. These modest reforms help ensure a fair process for everyone, including defendants, prosecutors, and crime victims. It’s a clear win for public safety in New York.”
“The safety of New Yorkers is my number one priority and this week, reforms that will make our public safety laws stronger go into effect — changes that enable us to better support survivors and close the revolving door of our court system.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “Targeted changes to our discovery laws will strengthen accountability for perpetrators while preserving due process. By providing prosecutors and defenders with $135 million in support, we’re reducing the risk of technical dismissals while ensuring survivors of domestic and other serious crimes have their day in court, rather than being sidelined by procedural missteps. I want to thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues for crafting a balanced and thoughtful approach this year to this issue.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III RPh said, “These commonsense updates to New York’s discovery laws strike the right balance by preserving due process while giving prosecutors the tools they need to protect public safety. I’m proud to support reforms that hold offenders accountable and ensure victims are not left behind.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “In this budget, we reaffirmed New York’s commitment to due process and the fundamental right to a fair trial. At a time when basic constitutional rights are under threat across the country, we chose a different path to protect them. The amendments we passed preserved the heart and spirit of the 2020 reforms. They still require prosecutors to turn over all evidence, ensure that police misconduct remains discoverable, and maintain the connection between speedy trial rights and real, complete discovery.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “This is a smart, necessary update to our legal process, one that reflects the values of safety, accountability, and due process that matter to all of us. I want to thank Governor Hochul for championing these changes and for recognizing that a more balanced, more responsive justice system benefits everyone. This is a step in the right direction, and I’m proud to stand behind it.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for again showing her steadfast commitment to public safety. These amendments continue to uphold New York’s dedication to ensuring our laws uphold defendants’ constitutional rights and that we hold the offenders of violent crime accountable.”
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said, “When entire cases are dismissed over minor procedural errors—not because evidence is lacking—we deny survivors of domestic and sexual violence the justice and protection they deserve. These amendments preserve the transparency of the 2019 reform while closing loopholes that have allowed abusers to escape accountability. By restoring discretion to judges and eliminating ‘gotcha’ dismissals, we strengthen survivors’ trust in the legal system and ensure real consequences for offenders.”
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said, “I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the Governor as well as her commitment to public safety. The Governor recognizes that sometimes the best-thought reforms need small adjustments to keep the public safe and the scales of justice equal.”
St. Peter’s Health Partners Director of Crime Victim Services Lindsey Crusan Muse said, “This announcement from Governor Hochul is a huge step for survivors of crime and those who advocate for them. These essential reforms to New York’s Discovery law will significantly strengthen protections for sensitive information, helping ensure that cases deserving prosecution can proceed while safeguarding the rights of victims. With these changes, New York reaffirms its leadership in promoting fairness, accountability, and a justice system that prioritizes the protection of those affected by crime.”
As part of the Governor’s record investments in proven crime prevention initiatives, $135 million was allocated in the FY26 Enacted Budget for both prosecutors and defenders across the State to help ensure compliance with discovery.
In her FY26 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul strengthened the State’s public safety initiatives, investing $347 million in gun violence prevention programs, increasing law enforcement presence in the New York City subways, combatting the rise in hate crimes and continuing efforts to address sexual assault, domestic violence, gender-based violence and sex trafficking.
August 6, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: NY.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
