JSA2026: “I’m Rewriting What It Means to Be a Felon in New York”
Day One Directive: Redefining Felon Status in New York
Candidate: Jason S. Arnold
Campaign: JSA2026 – Turn New York Red
Date: April 21, 2025
“If New York won’t call them felons, Washington won’t either.”
On Day One as Governor of New York, I will sign an Executive Order redefining the legal status of a “felon” to apply only to those convicted of violent crimes. Non-violent offenders will be reclassified as “offenders” — and given a path to full restoration of their rights.
🔧 Legal & Structural Reforms
- New Legal Definition: “Felon” under New York law will apply solely to convictions involving force, weaponry, sexual violence, or coercion.
- Creation of ‘Non-Violent Offender’ Status: A new legal classification separating non-violent offenders from violent felons.
- Civil Rights Restoration: All non-violent offenders who’ve completed their sentence will have their rights automatically restored, including:
- ✔️ Voting
- ✔️ Gun Ownership
- ✔️ Jury Service
- ✔️ Professional Licensing
- Restoration Certificates: State-issued restoration of rights certificates for use in employment, housing, and federal filings.
⚖️ Federal Compatibility
According to 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(1), firearm bans apply to those convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year unless their civil rights are restored. Our plan meets that criteria:
- ✔️ Explicit reclassification of status
- ✔️ State-level restoration of civil rights
- ✔️ Public record and certification of restored status
This creates a strong legal basis for those individuals to reclaim their Second Amendment rights — even under federal law.
📊 Why This Matters
- Over 60% of felonies in New York are non-violent
- Former offenders face 300+ restrictions on jobs, housing, and life opportunities
- Non-violent ex-offenders have lower recidivism when rights and opportunities are restored
🧱 I Welcome the Legal Fight
Let the lawsuits come. Let Albany try. Let activist judges rant. This is a fight I won’t walk away from — because this fight is about restoring dignity, stability, and freedom to the people our system refuses to forgive.
This Is How We Build a BETTR New York
A state where justice doesn’t mean exile. A state where your worst mistake isn’t your final label. A state that defends freedom, protects the innocent, and still believes in redemption.
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