Monticello, NY – Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay (D-Rock Hill), alongside Major Joseph M. DeStefano and Middletown Chief of Police John Ewanciw, will hold a press conference on Tuesday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at Middletown City Hall to celebrate a successful effort to improve two major public safety issues: discovery reform and virtual arraignments.

The New York State FY 2026 enacted budget includes essential changes to the discovery process, ensuring cases are not dismissed on minor technicalities (A3006). These reforms, championed by domestic violence survivor advocates and district attorneys alike, will require courts to weigh the prosecutor’s overall efforts, narrow disclosure to truly relevant materials, and protect against manipulation of the speedy-trial clock.

Additionally, the budget makes permanent the successful COVID-era practice of virtual arraignments in a measure co-sponsored by Assembly Member Kay (A3005). The Police Chiefs’ Association of Orange County strongly favored the permanent implementation of virtual arraignments, which will:

• Save time and taxpayer dollars by reducing the need for secure transport of detainees;
• Alleviate staffing pressures on corrections facilities already facing heightened demands;
• Promote the speedy administration of justice by minimizing delays associated with in-person appearances.

“Virtual arraignments modernize our courts to the benefit of all involved, which is why I co-sponsored the bill after meeting with the Police Chiefs’ Association of Orange County,” Assembly Member Kay said. “Meanwhile, discovery reforms will prevent technical loopholes from getting in the way of justice for crime victims while still protecting the rights of the accused.”

“Assembly Member Kay has been an invaluable partner in this effort, and our office is committed to working hand-in-hand with her to ensure these reforms strengthen public safety and benefit every resident of Middletown,” said Mayor Joe DeStefano.

“Collaborating closely with Assembly Member Kay has allowed us to modernize our approach to community safety in ways that will uphold justice and foster greater trust between law enforcement and the people we serve,” said Middletown Chief of Police John Ewanciw.

Victims’ advocates have called for strengthened discovery rules to prevent deserving cases from being thrown out on procedural grounds. These reforms reflect months of collaboration between survivors, prosecutors, and legislators to rebalance the scales of justice in favor of accountability and public safety.