Image Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Staff / Getty Images 
New legislation introduced by a far-left councilwoman could give “young people” free rein to commit crime in New York City without fear of being arrested.
The New York Post reports, “The legislation, reintroduced for a third time on Jan. 29 by Democratic Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, would require that ‘young people’ be ‘diverted’ to ‘community-based organizations to receive services in lieu of criminal enforcement.’
“However, the bill fails to define ‘young’ or what crimes it covers.”
The legislation also gives little indication of which organizations will be used, beyond that they’ll be nonprofits catering to a “particular community or trade union that offers apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs.”
While some cities such as Los Angeles already have similar schemes in place, none of them are formalized in law.
The bill has five co-sponsors, but needs 26 for passage and 34 to make it veto-proof.
As The Post notes, with new soft-on-crime Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the bill now has its “best shot” at being passed.
“She has a listening ear with a mayor who would like to see nobody put in jail,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens).
“In the past, not only was there no appetite for this kind of thing on the Council, but if it did pass, it would likely get vetoed. Councilmember Hudson is betting on that not happening with this administration – and that is a good bet.”
“This is much too vague as written,” Ariola added. “We need a clear definition of what a ‘young person’ is. Nobody wants to see ten-year-olds in jail, but we also don’t want violent 17-year-old offenders skirting justice either.”
Hudson, who represents central Brooklyn, has advanced a number of radical left-wing causes, including dismantling jails, diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI), universal healthcare and providing “gender-affirming items and medical devices” to prisoners at taxpayer cost.
“The radical left has pushed the kid gloves treatment before in New York — with disastrous results,” The Post explains.
“The Raise the Age law, which took effect in 2019, increased the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18. That’s meant the vast majority of 16- and 17-year-old offenders are routed to Family Court –where they typically avoid jail and prison.
“Youth violence across New York City hit historic highs during 2025, with staggering numbers of shooters and shooting victims falling under the age of 18.
“Last year, 14% of shooting victims and 18% of shooters were youths – the highest numbers since the NYPD began tracking the incidents in 2018, Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in January.
“In the latest example of youth violence in the Big Apple, four people – Thomas Tyler, 23, and three 17-year-old boys – were arrested Tuesday for allegedly shooting an innocent bystander in the leg during what is believed to be a gang-related incident, police said. The 23-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment.”
