State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, representing Norwood and chair of the Senate Committee on Codes, recently announced the creation of a Criminal Justice Reform Council, attracting advocates from the district to help reshape the state’s criminal justice system.

The council is comprised of several advocates on criminal justice reform that hail from the Bronx, and Westchester County. Members on the council are representatives from an array of organizations that include the Legal Aid Society, Vocal-NY, CUNY Law School, Discovery for Justice, B.R.A.G., Not On My Watch, RAPP Campaign, and 100 Suits for 100 Men.

Bailey felt it was imperative to develop a council with members offering input on any proposed legislation that adds a greater layer of judicial equity. Along with advocates, members on the council include the formerly incarcerated who have been through the criminal justice system.

“We wanted to get a cross-section of individuals who have been affected by the justice system and hear what they have to say,” Bailey said.

The Senate Committee on Codes holds vast jurisdiction over the state justice, defining crime, and amending any penalties for a crime, and revamping judicial procedures.

For Bailey, criminal justice reform has been a long time coming. With the Republicans no longer in power in the State Legislature, Democrats look to push forward several criminal justice bills that now stand a greater chance at becoming law.

Pending criminal justice reform bills in the State Legislature include restoring education and voting rights to those who were formerly incarcerated, legalizing recreational marijuana use, and the elimination of large cash bail amounts that tend to heavily affect low-income individuals who are often accused of petty crimes, resulting in greater prison stays as their case churns through the system.

The response from the community, according to Bailey, has been positive so far.

“They think it’s a good idea for people to convene and talk about the extremely important issue in our community and not just in the community, in our city, and the entire state,” Bailey said.

The council’s first roundtable talk was scheduled to take place on Feb. 13.

Editor’s Note: Constituents interested in offering input on criminal justice can email scjreform36@gmail.com.