In 2008, coinciding with the Rockefeller Drug Laws’ 35th anniversary, the New York State Assembly held two unprecedented hearings – the first on May 8, in New York City, and the second in Rochester on May 15. In a first-time development, the joint hearing was convened by six different Assembly committees – Codes, Corrections, Judiciary, Public Health, Alcohol and Drug Addiction, and Social Services – to explore a public health approach to New York’s draconian drug policies.

The joint hearings set the stage for New York to become a national leader in coordinated, sensible and effective drug policies guided by science, reason and compassion. A public health approach focuses on saving lives and increasing community health and safety by expanding community-based alternatives to incarceration and making prison the last, not first resort

Transcripts, Press Releases and More

In this section, you will find the hearing announcement, press releases, and most of the assembly testimonies by leading criminal justice, treatment, harm reduction and community advocates. Witnesses offered their unique perspectives on drug policy yet voiced their commonly held conviction that the Rockefeller Drug Laws must be repealed and that New York must shift its drug policy to a public health approach. Also included are transcripts from the May 8 and May 15 hearings, and a witness list of all the speakers who testified during the hearings. You can also find links to related news articles – media reporting was very positive, drawing news outlets from all over the state.

Press Releases

• Rochester Press Release
• New York City Press Release

Media

• 35 Years of Rockefeller Drug Laws, and Hope there Won’t Be 36
• State Assembly Re-examines Drug Policy
• Views Vary at Hearing on Drug Laws
• LETTERS; The Harm That Drug Laws Do: 4 Perspectives
• Re-Examining Rockefeller Drug Laws