The New York State Board of Parole has proposed a rule change that would shift how parole is considered for individuals convicted of violent crimes as minors. The new rule would require the Board to give more weight to an offender’s age and brain development at the time of the crime, rather than focusing on public safety, the seriousness of the offense, or its impact on victims.
State Senator Pamela Helming has voiced opposition to this proposal. She highlighted cases such as Chad Campbell, who was 14 when he killed a classmate and a young child, stating that under the new rules, offenders like Campbell could receive special consideration for release based solely on their age at the time of their crimes.
“Prioritizing developmental considerations over public safety and victims’ rights in such extreme cases is unacceptable. It is also unacceptable that the members of the Board of Parole have the unilateral authority to make such a sweeping and dangerous change. The Board of Parole should be focused on prioritizing public safety, not driving our state further down a path that prioritizes convicted violent felons over law-abiding citizens,” Helming said.
Helming encouraged those concerned about the proposed changes to contact the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision by emailing rules@doccs.ny.gov before October 12, 2025.
