New York is now cracking down on penalties for domestic violence that officials say were weakened bail reform. 

Sen. James Skoufis held a news conference in Goshen Friday alongside domestic violence advocates from Fearless and law enforcement to announce changes he proposed that were recently enacted under the state budget. 

Skoufis said the legislation reverses some bail reform changes, creating mandatory arrests for domestic violence offenses and ensuring orders of protections are granted to victims. 

“We are making sure that these perpetrators are held accountable with these charges being arrestable. We are also addressing those immediate victim support issues – keeping that suspect out of the home for a period of time, allowing the victim to figure out how to seek safety," said Skoufis.

The lawmaker is also sponsoring the family court reform bill called Kyra’s Law to better protect children in custody cases. 

Kyra’s mother, Jaqueline, was in Albany with the senator on Monday calling on lawmakers to pass the bill before the session ends in June.  

“We need this bill now more than ever right now. Twenty-three children have been killed by their parent going through a divorce, separation or child custody case in New York state since 2016. Time is of the essence," said Franchetti  

Kyra’s Law is named after 2-year-old Long Island toddler, Kyra Franchetti, who was killed by her father during a court-approved visit in 2016.  

The bill would require judicial training for domestic violence and make child safety a priority over parents' rights.