N.Y. LEGISLATORS OPEN UP TALKS ON DRUG LAW REFORM

ALBANY -- It was a groundbreaking event that broke little new ground:
Democrat and Republican legislators met in public for the first time
Wednesday to try to hash out differences over New York's harsh
drug-sentencing laws.

Reforming the laws has been a goal for the past several years, but
until Wednesday all the talks over how to do it took place behind
closed doors.

Wednesday, 10 lawmakers from the Assembly and Senate discussed their
differences for about an hour. The group agreed to meet again today.

Gov. George Pataki said three years ago that changing the so-called
Rockefeller laws was one of his top priorities, and last year reforms
were the subject of long meetings he had with legislative leaders. But
in the end nothing was done.

The two sides laid out familiar arguments Wednesday, with Democrats
calling for easing the sentences and Republicans keeping them mostly
intact.

Those serving time for drug offenses make up more than 43 percent of
the prison population and are 92 percent black or Hispanic, said Sen.
David Paterson, D-Manhattan.

"These laws have incarcerated and in many ways destroyed a generation
of people," he said.

But the Republicans responded that putting drug dealers behind bars
has helped to reduce the crimes they would have otherwise committed.

"We bring the same passion to the victims of crime and not the drug
dealers," said Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, Seneca County. He
said the state shouldn't provide a "get out of jail free card" to
those convicted of drug offenses.

"We understand your passion for protection," said Assemblyman Jeff
Aubry, D-Queens, co-chairman of the group. Then, referring to those in
prison on drug charges, he added, "no matter how you denigrate them,
they are human beings."

Pataki was optimistic that a deal could be reached.

"I think it's fair to say we've made progress on that
front."

[sidebar]

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

New York's drug laws, passed in 1973 at the urging of then-Gov. Nelson
Rockefeller, are being discussed.

The laws:

Require prison time for anyone convicted of possessing drugs with the
intent to sell.

Call for sentences of 15 years to life for first-time offenders
convicted of selling 2 ounces or possessing 4 ounces of narcotics.