ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Advocates and some New York lawmakers are pushing to improve protections for children here in the state.
Senator Jim Tedisco, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, and Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby are calling for new state legislation called Joycelynn’s Law.
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It would increase the maximum prison sentence for criminally negligent homicide of a child to 20 years to life.
Right now, that potential sentence is only 16 months to four years.
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Advocates are also pushing to pass Kyra’s Law — which would work to protect children in child custody disputes.
One way it would do that is by mandating judge training.
“Kyra’s Law is going to look at child safety factors and prioritize the life and safety and the health of the child, and that’s what judges need to do. Judges are not well-equipped and well-trained in this situation to make what are life and death decisions,” said Jacqueline Franchetti, Kyra’s mother.
Kyra’s Law has passed in the New York State Legislature and is awaiting signature from the governor.
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Joycelynn’s Law was just introduced earlier this week.