Chuck Nesbitt heads task force for counties studying impact on ‘raising the age’ of criminal responsibility
An Orleans County official will head a task force for counties across New York, examining the financial impact for implementing a new state law that will raise the age of criminal responsibility for non-violent felons from 16 to 18 by October 1, 2019.
Chuck Nesbitt, chief administrative officer for Orleans County, is chairman of a task force for the New York State Association of Counties.
Implementation of the new law is still being developed at the state level. The new law will require new resources in county probation departments, county attorney’s offices, mental health services, and social service agencies.
“This law will require initial and sustained investments in critical county departments, and this task force is charged with identifying those areas of investments and other unintentional consequences that may result from it,” Nesbitt said in a news release from NYSAC.
Recognizing the fiscal and operational impact the new law will have on New York’s counties, the state budget included provisions for partial state reimbursement for the costs associated with raising the age of criminal responsibility.
The Task Force will include representatives from probation, sheriffs, district attorneys, county attorneys, social services, and administration.
Other members of the Task Force include: Alex Wilson, Counsel, Sheriff’s Association; Tony Jordan, District Attorney, Washington County; Bob Masters, District Attorney, Queens; Kira Pospesel, DSS Commissioner, Greene County; Robert Iusi, Warren County Probation Director; and New York City Mayor’s Representative.
“Our state leaders have made this is a top priority in New York, and now their partners in government at the county level and in the court system must work together to make this law work for the young New Yorkers it is designed to support,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “This Task Force will help the state implement the new law mindful of its impact on local taxpayers and law enforcement officials.”
