NY A04251

Establishes merit time allowance credit program for eligible inmates in local correctional facilities to reduce sentences by accruing credits through participation in educational, vocational, work, or rehabilitative programs.

Sets credit accrual rates based on offense level: one credit per four days for violations, one per nine days for misdemeanors, and one per fifteen days for felonies.

Excludes inmates convicted of A-1 felonies (except article 220 offenses), violent felonies, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, sex offenses, or aggravated harassment of employees from merit time eligibility.

Allows ineligible inmates to accrue administrative privileges credits that can only be applied toward facility privileges, not sentence reduction, at the sheriff's discretion.

Permits forfeiture of merit time credits for bad behavior or failure to participate successfully, requires written notice to inmates, and mandates sheriffs transfer certified credit records when inmates are transferred to state facilities.