Albany County discusses state reimbursement agreement for 'Raise the Age' probation services

Albany County officials discussed an agreement with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to reimburse probation department costs related to New York's "Raise the Age" law, according to the meeting transcript.

William Connors, of the Albany County Probation Department, told the panel that Raise the Age — enacted in February 2019 — extended juvenile delinquency jurisdiction to 16- and 17-year-olds and that the county's contract with the state covers probation personnel, programming and electronic monitoring. Connors said the program is funded entirely by the state.

The county's meeting record shows items 2 and 3 were tabled to request a sponsor before Item 4 was introduced. The transcript does not record a motion, a second, or a vote on the agreement during the excerpt provided.

Connors described the contract term as beginning April 1, 2024, and said it runs through March 2025; the transcript wording about the exact end date was unclear. He said the agreement "pays for Raise the Age personnel of the probation department," covers programming the department provides and contracts with vendors, and "provides for additional services, electronic monitoring." Connors added, "The services are mandated under New York State Executive Law, and the entire program is 100% reimbursed by New York State."

The transcript excerpt does not include details about the agreement's dollar value, the name of any vendor contracts, or the formal vote outcome. The record also does not show who moved or seconded any motion on the item.

The discussion signals continuation of county implementation of statewide juvenile justice changes; further action, including any formal approval or vote, was not captured in the available transcript excerpt.