NY A01085

Increases good behavior time allowances from one-third to one-half of maximum sentence terms for indeterminate sentences and from one-seventh to one-half for determinate sentences, with credits vesting annually on a pro rata basis and becoming permanent once vested

Expands merit time allowances from one-sixth to one-half of minimum periods for indeterminate sentences and from one-seventh to one-quarter for determinate sentences, available for completing educational programs, vocational certificates, substance abuse treatment, or college credits

Removes exclusions that previously barred individuals convicted of violent felonies, sex offenses, A-I felonies, and certain other crimes from earning merit time allowances

Requires the Department of Corrections to report annually on all instances where time allowances are withheld, forfeited, or canceled, including the incarcerated individual's name, race, facility, reasons for denial, and names of committee members making recommendations

Applies retroactively to all currently incarcerated individuals, requiring credits to be applied within 90 days of the law's effective date, and provides administrative appeal rights for those denied time allowances