S. 338/A. 154 Summary

• Expands merit time allowance eligibility for inmates serving sentences of one year or more by removing restrictions on violent felony offenders, except those convicted of murder in the first degree, certain sexual offenses, terrorism, and related crimes.

• Broadens the criteria for earning merit time to include completion of educational requirements, substance abuse or comparable treatment programs, vocational training, satisfactory performance in skilled job assignments for at least six months, or completion of 400 hours of community work crew service.

• Repeals Section 803-b of the Correction Law relating to limited credit time allowances.

• Extends applicability of merit time provisions to persons sentenced to determinate sentences for felonies defined in Articles 220 and 221 of the Penal Law (drug offenses).

• Takes effect 90 days after becoming law and applies to inmates currently in custody, those sentenced after the effective date, and those who have not completed service of prior sentences.