NY A03721

Allows inmates to be eligible for early release to community supervision after completing one-half of their minimum incarceration period if substance abuse was a significant contributing factor to their offense.

Requires inmates to have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program within a correctional facility and remained disciplined-free from drug, marijuana, or alcohol use violations for at least two years prior to applying for early release.

Excludes inmates serving sentences for A-I felonies (except drug-related offenses under article 220 of penal law) and violent felony offenses as defined in penal law sections 70.04 and 70.08.

Establishes three methods for determining if substance abuse was a significant contributing factor: court findings at sentencing, departmental record review, or conviction for crimes where drug or alcohol use was an element.

Permits courts to make a finding that substance abuse was a significant contributing factor when imposing sentences for controlled substance or marijuana offenses, and authorizes mandatory enrollment in comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs.