ALBANY – Republicans welcomed Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement on Wednesday that new amendments to the state’s Discovery Laws will take effect on Thursday.

However, two Hudson Valley GOP Assemblymen said the changes should have been made years ago to protect crime victims.

The laws are aimed at enhancing the state’s justice system by supporting crime survivors and ensuring fair trials. These changes, part of the 2026 budget, are designed to address changes from the 2019 bail reforms.

“While we welcome these changes, the fact remains they come after years of avoidable setbacks for prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims alike,” said Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R, Deerpark). “During budget negotiations earlier this year, our Assembly Republican Conference pointed out that

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