Senate and Assembly Budget Proposals Call for State Funding and Oversight   The New York State Bar Association is urging Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and state legislators to work together to move the state toward “its constitutional obligation” to provide effective legal representation in all 62 counties to low-income individuals who are accused of crimes. … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda today commended the Senate and Assembly for including language in their one-house budget proposals that recognize the State of New York, not county governments, should bear the cost of providing constitutionally-mandated legal representation of low-income individuals who are accused of crimes. “The Senate and Assembly bills … Continued

The New York State Bar Association urges the state Legislature to enact measures within budget bills that would modernize the voter registration process and allow voters to cast ballots prior to the traditional Election Day. March 31 is the deadline for passage of the 2016-17 state budget. “Measures to remove barriers to registration and voting … Continued

Association Seeks Action in 2016-17 State Budget The State of New York, not county governments, should assume responsibility for providing adequate funding for the constitutionally-mandated legal services to poor people who are accused of crimes, says the New York State Bar Association. “More than 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states have … Continued

David P. Miranda, president of the New York State Bar Association, today issued the following statement: “It is critical to the functioning of the Supreme Court that the vacancy resulting from the death of Justice Antonin Scalia be filled promptly, after due consideration, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. “A compelling argument for the need … Continued

Power of attorney forms—that New Yorkers rely on to protect their financial and legal interests should they become medically incapacitated—are “too complex and prone to improper execution,” according to the New York State Bar Association. The State Bar Association proposes legislative changes to the existing New York power of attorney law, simplifying the forms and … Continued

The New York State Bar Association, saying that too many individuals who are released from prison, jail or a youthful offender facility end up returning, proposes a broad range of policy changes aimed at reducing recidivism by better preparing individuals for their return to the community. The Association, in a recent report, also calls for … Continued

“The New York State Bar Association is pleased that Governor Andrew Cuomo today appointed 10 justices to fill vacancies on the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court. “These positions are critically important to the functioning of the courts, the lawyers, businesses and individuals appearing before those courts, and the people of the state of … Continued