A state senator has introduced a bill in response to New York state bail reform after she and some law enforcement claimed current state law has led to increased crime involving repeat offenders.

Supporters are calling it the "PROTECT Act."

State Sen. Pam Helming said New York does not allow courts to consider public safety when making pretrial custody decisions.

Her bill would require judges to consider the risks a suspect may pose to public safety when determining pretrial custody. It would also introduce a standardized risk assessment tool for the courts to use.

This bill also recognizes the ongoing mental health crisis and includes power to the courts to direct individuals to the appropriate treatments.

“We have worked extremely hard to ensure that the PROTECT Act creates a system that balances reasonable fairness for criminal defendants and the need to protect the public from dangerous offenders," said Helming. 

Currently, the bill is sitting in a Senate committee.