State lawmakers in the coming weeks may take up a package of changes to the state's criminal justice system, including measures that would eliminate cash bail for some charges, and make changes to how evidence is introduced, plus a bill meant to reduce trial delays.

Governor Cuomo says he supports the changes.

"We need to reform our criminal justice system by eliminating cash bail once and for all, enacting speedy trial, and discovery reform," Cuomo said.

The reforms are long-sought ones for Democrats, who this year took control of the state Senate and have passed a flurry of legislation, long stalled under Republican leadership. Democratic lawmakers like Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris of Queens say they are reviewing the governor's criminal justice proposals as outlined in his budget.

"We don't know what the details are that the governor is proposing. I know that I have a bill on bail reform, we have discovery reform and speedy trial that my colleagues are carrying. But I think everyone understands the urgency and that we need to do something significant," Gianaris said.

And some of the changes may garner Republican support. Senator Fred Akshar of Binghamton, a former undersheriff, did not rule out supporting some of the changes, like ending cash bail.

"I think we need to look at the bail system, I think we need to look at the criminal justice system and make sure it's fair and equal for everyone," Akshar said.

But Republicans are less enthusiastic about the legalization of marijuana and the potential criminal justice changes that could take place as result, such as expunging records of those who were convicted of marijuana offenses.

"We should ensure that when we're crafting that policy, when we're moving that issue forward, that we're taking into account all of those issues facing public safety at large," Akshar said.

Cuomo's budget proposal includes the legalization of commercial adult-use marijuana, with revenue from taxes expected to generate $300 million.