New bill aims to fix staffing shortages in Orange, Rockland jails

HUDSON VALLEY- A push to ease hiring challenges in local correctional facilities took a major step forward this week, as state lawmakers approved legislation that could widen the pool of eligible officers in Orange and Rockland counties.

The bill, passed by the State Senate with bipartisan backing, would loosen longstanding residency rules for corrections officers and related staff.  If signed into law by Governor Hochul, employees would no longer be limited to living strictly within Orange or Rockland.  Instead, they could reside in neighboring counties, a change supporters say reflects the realities of today’s workforce.

The measure was introduced at the request of local sheriff’s departments, which have struggled in recent years to recruit new officers and retain experienced ones.  Officials say the current residency requirement has made it harder to fill vacancies, particularly as fewer applicants are willing, or able, to relocate within strict county lines.

“This is about keeping our facilities safe and properly staffed,” one lawmaker said following the vote, emphasizing that easing residency rules could help departments compete for qualified candidates.

Local law enforcement leaders echoed that sentiment.  Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco welcomed the legislation, calling it a practical step toward supporting officers who serve the community every day.  Union representatives also framed the issue as one that goes beyond policy, pointing to the daily realities faced by corrections staff.

For many officers, living outside the communities where they work is not just a matter of convenience but of personal safety and privacy.  Avoiding off-duty interactions with incarcerated individuals or their families is often seen as an important boundary.

The bill’s companion measure has already cleared the State Assembly and now awaits the governor’s decision.  If approved, the change could bring some relief to departments that have faced persistent staffing shortages, part of a broader trend affecting correctional systems nationwide.