Issues: Alcohol

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), to strengthen Leandra’s Law.  The bill (S.1941) would ensure that offenders comply with the provision of the law requiring them to use ignition interlocks.

Bill Would Make it Illegal for Driver to Leave Scene After Vehicle Hits Any Object

The New York State Senate today passed “Alix’s Law”, sponsored by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma), to close a legal loophole and hold intoxicated drivers accountable for leaving the scene of an accident.

The legislation (S1698A) responds to a drunk driving accident that killed a teenage girl in Amherst, Erie County. On July 8, 2011, 18-year-old Alix Rice was killed by a drunk driver as she road home on her longboard. The driver argued that he was not aware he had hit a person and he was acquitted on the felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that legislation he sponsors to help deter underage drinking has been approved by the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee. The legislation (S4106) would allow courts to suspend the driver’s licenses of underage alcohol offenders for failing to appear before the court or complete their court-ordered sentencing obligations.

ALBANY, NY - In the wake of two military deaths linked to the use of a risky over the counter dietary supplement, New York State Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) introduced legislation today that would immediately ban all future sales of products containing the popular but dangerous substance. The supplement, known as dimethylamylamine, or DMAA, is currently banned in six countries, as well as by the U.S. military and nearly every amateur and professional sports organization.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.

· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.