Issues: Drugs

Cuomo Signs Gianaris-Simotas Bill

Queens Gazette wrote about joint-legislation, sponsored by Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Simotas, that Governor Cuomo signed into law. The bill further protects law enforcement personnel during investigations.

State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill they sponsored cracking down on criminals who attempt to impede felony investigations through the use or installation of explosive devices and other hazardous materials.

August 17, 2011
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Gianaris-Simotas Bill Signed By Governor

New law protects law enforcement officials from “hidden dangers”

QUEENS, N.Y. – Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that Governor Cuomo has signed a bill they sponsored cracking down on criminals who attempt to impede felony investigations through the use or installation of explosive devices and other hazardous materials.

The law takes effect amid a nationwide surge in felons – specifically narco-traffickers – “booby-trapping” the transport and storage locations of illegal goods. This practice endangers law enforcement personnel seeking to prevent the spread of contraband in our communities.

August 15, 2011
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Forum/Town Hall: A Roundtable Discussion on the growing problems of prescription drug abuse and diversion throughout New York State and on possible policy solutions

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Joint - Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug AbuseChair: Senator Jeffrey D. Kleinand Senate Standing Committee on HealthChair: Senator Kemp HannonRoundtable: A Roundtable Discussion on the growing problems of prescription drug abuse and diversion throughout New York State and on possible policy solutionsPlace: Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, New YorkTime: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.Contact: Gabriel Paniza (518) 455-3594Media Contact: Rich Azzopardi (518) 455-3595ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

August 31, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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SENATOR DEFRANCISCO’S “GOOD SAMARITAN BILL” SIGNED INTO LAW

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) announced that his bill, the “Good Samaritan Bill,”(S4454-B) was signed into law yesterday by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The law encourages a witness or victim of a drug or alcohol related overdose to seek medical attention without being punished for drug or alcohol possession. The law is to take effect in 60 days. 

“Fear of prosecution has become an obstacle in seeking medical care for someone suffering from a drug or alcohol overdose,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “This law will change that by encouraging people to call emergency services when lives are in jeopardy.” 

July 22, 2011
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SENATOR MONTGOMERY HONORS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT DOROTHY BURNHAM, A BROOKLYN “RENAISSANCE WOMAN”

The lifetime achievements of Brooklyn native Dorothy Burnham were recognized and lauded by NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) during the reading of a Senate resolution, which was unanimously passed by the full Senate during the final days of the 2011 Legislative Session. The resolution paid tribute to Dorothy Burnham’s many notable contributions to our public education system, the advancement of civil rights, and to the promotion of racial and economic equality. Ms. Burnham was also honored for her designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York Friends of the People's World. “Dorothy Burnham is a Renaissance Woman,” said Senator Montgomery.

July 11, 2011
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114th Precinct Cops Honored, Hidden Auto Compartments Outlawed

Queens Gazette wrote about the passage of Senator Gianaris' concealed vehicular compartment legislation, sponsored in the Assembly by Aravella Simotas. Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Simotas announced the bill's passage at the 114th Precinct Community Council meeting.

Police Officers Peter Predescu and Mubashir Tohfafarosh were honored as Cops of the Month at the June 28 meeting of the 114th Precinct Community Council.

July 6, 2011
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Senator Owen H. Johnson Cosponsored Legislation Imposing Jail Time On Multiple DWI Offenders: Measure Makes Incarceration Mandatory for Persons who Commit Second DWI Offense

Senator Owen H. Johnson cosponsored legislation that imposes mandatory jail time for individuals who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol after having been previously convicted of such a crime. The bill (S.2597) passed the New York State Senate unanimously and is intended to increase the penalties for multiple DWI offenders.“Repeat DWI offenders are going to jail,” Senator Johnson said.  “ I have zero tolerance for those who repeatedly choose to put innocent lives at risk on our highways.  Our current DWI laws are weak, sometimes imposing a fine or allowing for community service.  Mandatory jail time would make DWI offenders think twice before driving drunk again.” Under the measure:

June 21, 2011
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Bill Would Help Reduce the Potential for Fatalities From Drug Overdoses

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) announced that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate gave final legislative passage on June 20th to a bill that would help reduce the potential for fatalities caused by drug overdoses. The bill (S.4454B) is known as a "Samaritan" measure because it limits the use of evidence of illicit activity when an individual seeks treatment for someone experiencing an accidental drug overdose.

June 21, 2011
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SENATE GIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL TO “GOOD SAMARITAN” LAW Bill Would Help Reduce the Potential for Fatalities From Drug Overdoses

    The New York State Senate today gave final legislative passage to a bill that would help reduce the potential for fatalities caused by drug overdoses. The bill (S.4454B), sponsored by Senator John DeFrancisco (R-C-I, Syracuse), is known as a “good Samaritan” measure because it limits the use of evidence of illicit activity when an individual seeks treatment for someone experiencing an accidental drug overdose. “The primary reason people do not call 911 or go to the hospital for an overdose is fear of prosecution,” Senator DeFrancisco said. “This bill doesn’t condone drug use, but rather, acknowledges the importance of helping a victim and spurring a response from witnesses that may help protect the well-being of another person.” 

June 20, 2011
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Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

Senator Ball Urges NY Lawmakers to Follow Florida’s Lead

Albany, N.Y. — (06/11/11) — Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) is urging fellow legislators to do the right thing and demand drug testing for welfare recipients in New York. Senator Ball has long advocated for a law that would ensure that hard-working taxpayers are not subsidizing drug addictions.

June 15, 2011
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DNA Info: NY State Senate Passes Bill Sponsored by Sen. Espaillat to Crack Down on "nutcracker" drinks

June 1, 2011

By Andrea Swalec

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

UPPER MANHATTAN —Businesses selling fruity alcohol drinks to minors are facing stiffer fines and longer jail sentences after an Upper Manhattan-led crackdown. State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who represents Washington Heights and Inwood, sponsored a New York State Senate bill which seeks to crack down on the fruity booze, known as "nutcrackers."

It was passed Monday. "Study after study has demonstrated that alcohol and minors simply do not mix," Sen. Espaillat said in a press release.

June 8, 2011
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Senator Ball Interviewed on State of Politics

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06/06/2011 – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs, talks with Liz Benjamin on 

June 8, 2011
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Just in Time for Summer, Senator Espaillat’s “Nutcracker bill” to Protect Minors from Alcohol Abuse Passes in the Senate

(Albany, NY) – As temperatures heat up, the New York State Senate moved to crackdown on a dangerous summer practice where sugary, colorful alcoholic drinks are sold to minors, posing a health and safety risk for young people and communities throughout New York. The “Nutcracker Bill,” sponsored by Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx) will severely stiffen penalties for those engaging in the practice, adding harsh fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders.

June 6, 2011
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Senator Klein to Subpoena Makers of Four Loko

four loko

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, chairman of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, today announced the issuance of a legislative subpoena  against the makers of Four Loko as part of the Committee's ongoing investigation into high alcohol Flavored Malt Beverages and their availability to minors.  

June 2, 2011
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Committee Meeting: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Meeting

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Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, Chair 1:30 PM, Wednesday, June 1, 2011 Room 123 CAP

June 1, 1:30 PM - 1:32 PM
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SENATOR FUSCHILLO VOTES FOR TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO SELL DRUGS TO CHILDREN

            Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently voted in favor of legislation to raise penalties for drug dealers who sell drugs to children.

May 11, 2011
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SENATE PASSES BILL TO BAN SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) announced that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed legislation on May 9th that would ban the sale of synthetic marijuana products throughout the State. This fake drug, which has been legally available under a variety of names like K2, Spike 99 and Spice at stores throughout New York State, including on Long Island and just blocks away from the State Capitol in Albany, is smoked as an alternative to marijuana and has similar effects.

May 10, 2011
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Senator Martins' Bill Protecting Children From Drug Dealers Passes Senate

A bill introduced by Senator Jack M. Martins that increases the penalty for criminal sale of a controlled substance to minors under the age of 14 has passed the Senate with wide bi-partisan support.

In Nassau County, Heroin use has been on the increase in recent years so much so that it has been called an epidemic. Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice have announced a war against the drug with a priority on raising awareness to the problem.

May 10, 2011
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Controlled Substances

News From New York StateSenator Shirley L. HuntleyFor Immediate Release: May 10, 2011Contact: Bryant G. Gaspard| gaspard@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

Senate Aims to Strengthen Laws Relating to Sale of Controlled Substances to Minors

Senator Huntley: Bill Strengthens Penalties Against Those Who Would Exploit Youth

May 10, 2011
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Senate Passes Bill to Ban Synthetic Marijuana

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by sponsored by Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District), that would ban the sale of synthetic marijuana products throughout New York State. This fake drug, which has been legally available under a variety of names like K2, Spike 99 and Spice at stores throughout New York State, including on Long Island and just blocks away from the State Capitol in Albany, is smoked as an alternative to marijuana and has similar effects.  

May 9, 2011
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