Declaration of a Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center
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WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities have led to an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island this year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby find that a disaster has occurred and is ongoing for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately. Therefore, I hereby declare a state disaster emergency, effective September 28, 2021 and until further notice in Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens counties; and
FURTHER, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, during a state disaster emergency, if compliance with such would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency, I hereby temporarily suspend and modify the following through October 28, 2021:
• Article 182 of the Criminal Procedure Law to the extent necessary to allow a court to dispense with the personal appearance of any party or witness and conduct by means of electronic appearances: (i) except for good cause shown, any arraignment in supreme court on an indictment or superior court information, calendar call, court conference or motion argument; (ii) provided that the defendant consents, any plea, sentence or testimony in the grand jury by a defendant; and (iii) provided that the defendant and the prosecutor consent, any evidentiary hearing or non-jury trial.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: September 28, 2021
Executive Order No. 5.1
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island this year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 until November 27, 2021.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: October 28, 2021
Executive Order No. 5.2
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island this year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.1, until December 27, 2021.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: November 27, 2021
Executive Order No. 5.3
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island this year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.1 and 5.2, until January 5, 2022.
FURTHER, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, during a state disaster emergency, if compliance with such would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency, I hereby temporarily suspend and modify the following through January 5, 2022:
• Sections 29.11 and 29.15 of the Mental Hygiene Law and section 517 of Title 14 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to permit mental health facilities licensed pursuant to Article 31 of the Mental Hygiene Law that are treating patients that are inmates of Rikers Island Correctional Center during the emergency, as well as State-operated psychiatric centers operating in the counties in which the state disaster emergency has been declared, to rapidly discharge, including conditionally discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: December 6, 2021
Executive Order No. 5.4
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island the past year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.3, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executives Order 5, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 until February 4, 2022;
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: January 5, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.5
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a "pervasive level of disorder and chaos," in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there has been an increased number of deaths of inmates at Rikers Island this year;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.4, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executives Order 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 until March 6, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: February 4, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.7
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.6, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Orders 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 until May 5, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: April 5, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.9
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a "pervasive level of disorder and chaos," in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.8, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until July 4, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: June 4, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.10
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a "pervasive level of disorder and chaos," in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.10 and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors until August 3, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: July 4, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.11
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a "pervasive level of disorder and chaos," in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.10 and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until September 2, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: August 3, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.13
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.12 and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until November 1, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: October 2, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.14
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.13, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until December 1, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: November 1, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.15
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a "pervasive level of disorder and chaos," in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.14, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until December 31, 2022.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: December 1, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.16
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.15, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until January 30, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: December 31, 2022
Executive Order No. 5.17
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.16, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until March 1, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: January 13, 2023
Executive Order No. 5.18
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.17, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until March 31, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: March 1, 2023
Executive Order No. 5.19
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.18, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until April 30, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: March 31, 2023
Executive Order No. 5.20
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.19, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until May 30, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: April 30, 2023
Executive Order No. 5.21
Continuing the Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Related to the Disaster Emergency in the Counties of the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond and Queens Due to Conditions at Rikers Island Correctional Center.
WHEREAS, the Rikers Island Correctional Center has been facing a severe staffing shortage in recent months and this is expected to continue;
WHEREAS, the conditions in the facilities are expected to continue to create an unsafe, life-threatening environment for both the inmates and the staff;
WHEREAS, a federal monitor appointed to oversee the Correctional Center reported a “pervasive level of disorder and chaos,” in the facilities in its Eleventh Report of the Nunez Independent Monitor;
WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate the use of virtual court appearances to expedite proceedings and to reallocate corrections department staff from transportation and production of defendants to housing supervision and safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby extend the state disaster emergency as set forth in Executive Order 5, as continued by Executive Order 5.20, and do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 5 and its successors, until June 29, 2023.
Signed: Kathy Hochul
Dated: May 30, 2023