Convicted felons in New York may soon have a ban lifted, which has stopped them from doing this. A new bill has passed in both the NY State Senate and Assembly that will give people who have served their time their rights back.

What Rights Do Convicted Felons Lose In New York?

In New York State, people who are convicted of a felony not only lose their freedom, they also lose certain rights even after they serve their time. According to the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, felons lose:

- Their right to vote if they are still incarcerated
- Their right to use, purchase, or possess a firearm
- Their right to serve on a jury
- Their eligibility for federally-funded housing
- Their driving privileges (for certain felons)

READ MORE: 15 Prisons In New York With Most Dangerous Inmates

New York State May Allow Felons To Serve Jury Duty

Senate Bill S206B and the Assembly version A1432 are sponsored by Senators Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Jamaal T. Bailey, Neil D. Breslin, and Jabari Brisport, as well as, Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz, Taylor Darling, Harvey Epstein, and Chantel Jackson. The bill will lift a lifetime ban and give certain convicted felons their rights back, as it,

"Removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons; provides that if convicted of a felony, such person has completed all sentencing requirements to such conviction, including any required term of imprisonment, probation, or community supervision."

READ MORE: First Prisoner Killed by The Electric Chair Was From New York

The bill has been introduced in other sessions - 2017-2018: S9194, 2019-2020: A4760, S221, and 2021-2022: A2377, S1014, S8065 - but it didn't pass. If Governor Kathy Hochul signs the bill into law, it will take effect 180 days later.

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