Issues: Correctional

Bill Would Have Linked Authorities To Bike Path Rapist Years Prior To His 2007 Arrest

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan announced that the New York State Senate today passed legislation to implement the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994. The legislation mirrors the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget to require people convicted of all felonies, as well as all misdemeanors in the penal law to submit DNA samples.

All Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions Would Require Submission of DNA Sample

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) for the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994 (S.5560A). The legislation mirrors the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget to require people convicted of all felonies, as well as all misdemeanors in the penal law to submit DNA samples.

Local leaders protest recent area crimes and introduce initiatives to make the neighborhood safer.

Queens, NY – Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. today held an anti-crime rally to protest the concentrated number of criminal activities that have occurred in the neighborhood recently. The elected officials, as well as community leaders and activists, also announced new crime-fighting initiatives to increase safety in the neighborhood.

Twice as many texting-while-driving tickets handed out this year than last year.

Queens, NY – Senator Michael Gianaris praised the effectiveness of a recently enacted driving law, which has led to double the number of drivers ticketed for texting while driving in August 2011 than in August 2010.

The Distracted Driving Bill makes the use of portable devices while driving a primary offense. Previously, using these devices while behind the wheel was a secondary offense and police could only stop motorists if they were committing another, primary offense – such as speeding or running a red light.