The use of remote court hearings will be expanded under an executive order announced Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office in an effort to alleviate the ongoing problems at Rikers Island jail in New York City.

The order puts a temporary change in place for the state's criminal procedure law that expands the use of virtual court appearances, allowing corrections staff in the process to not be assigned to the transportation of people who are in jail.

The measure is the latest effort by the Hochul administration to reduce the number of people in local jails, as well as the strain on Rikers Island. Hochul this month approved a measure meant to reform parole violations in New York, but the new law does not take effect until March.

"When I signed the Less is More Act into law 10 days ago, it was the beginning, not the end, of my Administration's work to help find solutions to the crisis on Rikers Island," Hochul said. "Improving safety and justice at Rikers is about protecting human rights and human dignity. No incarcerated person, no corrections officer, and no family member should have to endure the reality of Rikers as it exists today, and we must do everything in our power to prevent New Yorkers from languishing in Rikers awaiting their day in court. While more work needs to be done collaboratively with all levels of government, this executive order is an important step to alleviate capacity concerns and help protect New Yorkers."

Hochul's office also said it is working with the Office of Court Administration find other ways of expediting hearings and working to have a swift review of cases for pre-trial release, clear warrants and hearing resentencing motions for people who are detained.

As of Tuesday, the governor's office said 125 people have been transferred from Rikers Island to a state facility.