Criminal justice reform advocates on Monday are set to release a video pushing for the passage of a measure to overhaul the parole laws in New York with an eye toward making it easier for people to remain out of jail or prison once released.

The measure is meant to reduce prison time for technical violations. The bill's backers point to incentives for good behavior while on parole as a public safety benefit. 

The effort has the backing of former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, the chairman of the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, which has backed the changes.

“It is well past time for New York State to reform its inequitable and costly parole system, which sends too many people to jail and prison rather than helping them succeed,” Lippman said. “With the budget passed, New York State lawmakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that will improve lives, save money, and help put an end to the notorious jails on Rikers Island.”

The bill is the latest in a series of criminal justice law changes advocates have called for in recent days as part of an overall effort to reduce the number of people in the state's prison system. 

Supporters point to the disproportionate effect the current parole system has had on people of color for being sent back to jail and prison for rule violations. And they also point to the cost of incarcerating people due to parole violations of $680 million in 2019.