Raise the age: lawmakers raise concerns

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Sounding off at a state budget hearing, several lawmakers said the New York law that raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18 has been implemented with inadequate access to secure housing for offenders and may be a factor in the spread of gang violence.

The Raise the Age law was intended to keep young lawbreakers out of adult courts and prisons and provide them with programming so they won’t end up being mired in lives of crime.

Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, said there are indications from law enforcement officials that criminals have been enlisting 16- and 17-year-old juveniles in their schemes because the youths face minimal legal consequences.