Albany, N.Y. - Governor Cuomo is issuing the first set of conditional pardons of more than 24,000 parolees, a move that restores their right to vote.
Those pardoned include convicted New York City cop killer Herman Bell -- who was granted parole last month. The move reverses restrictions that Cuomo claims "disproportionately impacted New Yorkers of color."
State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan issued a statement saying the Governor's executive order is offensive to "thousands of people" who have been victimized by "hardened criminals."