New York State Assembly passes bill to allow limited prosecution of individuals pardoned of federal crimes News
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New York State Assembly passes bill to allow limited prosecution of individuals pardoned of federal crimes

The New York State Assembly passed Assembly Bill A6653 Tuesday, which allows for the state of New York to prosecute individuals pardoned for federal crimes.

The bill allows the state of New York to prosecute individuals who have been issued presidential pardons with some significant relationship to the president who issued the pardons. The bill specifically notes individuals employed in the executive office of the president or holding positions confirmed by the US Senate. The bill additionally calls out individuals involved in the president’s election or re-election campaigns as potential targets of the law.

Democratic advocates of the bill argue that it closes a double jeopardy loophole wherein someone could be pardoned from federal prosecution without ever having faced state prosecution for similar crimes. They further highlight that it would not be retroactively applied to anyone already serving federal sentences and stress that it may be the only way to hold President Donald Trump accountable. Republican lawmakers claim the bill is a two-way street that will affect the actions of all future presidents.

The bill passed the assembly 90-52. The bill originated in the State Senate where it passed earlier this month and now heads to the desk of Governor Andrew Cuomo who has promised to sign it.

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