Patchogue senator’s bail reform bill gives judges more power in cases of crimes against kids

A Long Island state senator is pushing legislation that would allow judges to set bail more frequently in criminal case that involve child victims.

State Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) on Wednesday joined local elected officials, law enforcement leaders and school representatives to announce the proposed legislation, which would make crimes in which a defendant allegedly causes physical, psychological or emotional harm to a minor eligible for consideration under New York’s bail laws.

The proposal follows a March 2025 cannabis gummies incident that sent a dozen middle school students in the William Floyd School District to the emergency room, Murray said. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said prosecutors were unable to seek bail against a defendant accused of targeting children with drugs.

“This bill is about protecting our kids and that shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Murray said. “Judges need to have the ability to keep repeat offenders or those who pose a danger to society off the streets, especially in cases where children are the victims.”

Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who is sponsoring the measure in the state Assembly, said the legislation would restore discretion to judges and allow them to consider the facts of individual cases.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and representatives of the Suffolk County PBA also back the bill, which is pending in the state Senate.

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