Assemblymember David Weprin Introduces Legislation To Reinstate Cash Bail In Some Cases
Today, Assemblymember David Weprin, a top-tier candidate for NYC Comptroller, announced new legislation – in response to the recent spate of anti-semitic hate crimes throughout New York City – to require cash bail for those accused of such crimes, at the discretion of the presiding judge.
Weprin, the Chair of the Committee on Corrections, cited the recent synagogue vandalism and the spate of assaults against New Yorkers as the impetus for the bill, which will be introduced in the New York State Assembly in the coming days.
“Our city has been under attack as of late without the power to stop it.” said Weprin. “With this legislation, judges will regain the authority to require bail and keep the most violent offenders – those with hate and rage in their hearts – behind bars where they belong. In 2019, my colleagues in Albany made a grievous error in ending cash bail throughout the state. While the law was amended in 2020, the revised categories for cash bail did not include hate crimes targeted against people or property. Now, with this new bill, it is my sincere hope that we can correct that error and ensure those accused of such crimes will not be allowed back onto the streets until trial.”
In April, four synagogues in the Bronx were vandalized. Windows were smashed and property was defaced or stolen. The suspect had been released by the judge in the case after originally being held on bail or bond.
Weprin is the only candidate running for Comptroller with the necessary municipal financial experience, having balanced the City’s budget as Chair of the City Council’s Finance Committee for eight consecutive years. He guided the City’s finances through the post-9/11 recession and the 2008 recession. Previously in his public service career, Weprin served as the Deputy Superintendent of Banks and Secretary of the Banking Board for New York State, where he was a watchdog of nearly $2 trillion, regulating more than 3,000 financial institutions and financial service firms in New York State, including international banking institutions, mortgage brokers, and mortgage bankers.
Currently Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Correction, Weprin has championed critical legislation reforming our criminal justice system. He has authored groundbreaking legislation including the Adoptee Bill of Rights and the Religious Garb Bill and has made standing up for middle class New Yorkers a central theme of his campaign for Comptroller.
Weprin is a graduate of Jamaica High School, SUNY at Albany, and holds a law degree from Hofstra University. A father of five children, and grandfather of six, David and his wife, Ronni, live in Holliswood, Queens.
