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Bill

S 9925

Establishes a temporary commission to study music and performing arts education programs in New York state correctional facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Establishes a temporary commission to study and recommend expanding music and performing arts education in New York correctional facilities to aid reintegration and reduce recidivi

REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 9925

Summary of Bill S.9925 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a temporary state commission to study music and performing arts education programs within New York state correctional facilities.
  • Aims to assess current programs for youth and adult incarcerated individuals and to recommend expanding these arts education initiatives to help reduce recidivism and aid reintegration.

Key Provisions

Creation and Scope

  • Creates a temporary state commission to study existing music and performing arts education programs in New York state correctional facilities and to develop recommendations for expanding these programs to both youth and adult populations.

Commission Composition and Appointment

  • The commission will have 11 members.
    • Governor: appoints 5 members, including:
    • One from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
    • One from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
    • At least one formerly incarcerated individual
    • Temporary President of the Senate: appoints 2 members
    • Speaker of the Assembly: appoints 2 members
    • Senate Minority Leader: appoints 1 member
    • Assembly Minority Leader: appoints 1 member
  • The commission must elect a chair from among its members.

Operations and Resources

  • Members do not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.
  • The commission may hire staff and contractors as needed, with compensation set within appropriations.

Authority and Data Access

  • The commission may request and receive facilities, assistance, and data from state agencies and political subdivisions to fulfill its duties.

Report and Recommendations

  • The commission must prepare a report with recommendations for legislative action as appropriate.
  • The report is due no later than one year after the act’s effective date.
  • Deliverables include:
    • Transmittal: to the Governor, Temporary President of the Senate, Speaker of the Assembly
    • Posting: on the Secretary of State’s website and the Governor’s website

Affected Parties and Impact

Who is Affected

  • Incarcerated individuals in New York state correctional facilities (both youth and adults) who participate in music and performing arts education programs.
  • State agencies and departments involved in corrections, arts governance, and related oversight (e.g., DOCCS, NYSCA).

Potential Impacts

  • By studying current programs and developing expansion recommendations, the bill seeks to:
    • Increase access to music and performing arts education for incarcerated individuals.
    • Potentially reduce recidivism (the bill cites a claimed statewide 3-year recidivism rate of 60% with arts programs associated with a 3% recidivism rate) and improve post-release reintegration, though it does not itself implement program changes.
  • Any expansion would depend on future legislation and appropriations following the commission’s findings.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced in Senate; referred to Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction (as of April 16, 2026).
  • Effective Date: Immediate.
  • Sunset/Expiration: The act expires and is deemed repealed two years after the date of enactment.
  • Reporting Deadline: One year from the act’s effective date (i.e., the commission must deliver its findings and recommendations within one year).

Observations

  • The bill focuses on study and recommendation rather than direct funding or program mandates.
  • It includes diverse appointment sources to ensure broad perspectives, including a formerly incarcerated individual and arts representatives.
  • The commission’s work could lay groundwork for future policy changes in corrections and arts education if lawmakers adopt its recommendations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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