Issues: Victims

ALBANY, 03/15/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced today that the New York State Senate has passed legislation that will implement the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994. 

“DNA is a proven crime-fighting tool.  Expanding its use provides police and prosecutors with the means to put more lawbreakers behind bars and offers another layer of protection for the public,” said Senator Seward.  “More crimes will be solved, more criminals will be brought to justice and more innocent individuals will be exonerated through the databank expansion.”

All Felony and Penal Law Misdemeanor Convictions Would Require Submission of DNA Sample

Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) announces an agreement reached on his bill providing the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994. The legislation is similar to the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget and the bill sponsored by Senator Saland which passed earlier this year in the Senate.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that changes the way prostitution offenses are handled, especially when a child prostitute is involved (S.1415C).

Senator Mark Grisanti recently announced that the Senate has passed the “Protect Our Children Act” which he sponsored to change the laws of New York State to save and protect children from cruel and repeated maltreatment. 

The bill, S5862A-2011, fixes problems that allowed perpetrators of serious child abuse to receive misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges with probationary sentences that did not deter actions or even repeat actions. 

Now, prosecutors will have the option of charging felony child endangerment to protect children from serious reckless abuse as well as increasing penalties for not reporting the death of a child, obstructing the investigation into a missing child and repeat offenders. 

News From New York StateSenator Shirley L. HuntleyFor Immediate Release: March 2, 2012Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov |(518) 455-3531

**PRESS RELEASE**

Senator Huntley Passes Legislation Prohibiting Disruption During a Funeral Procession

Law making it illegal for a drive of motor vehicle to interfere with a funeral procession

Albany, N.Y. – New York State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) announced the passage of his legislation today to help protect the confidentiality of victims of sexual violence.

The bill (S.4073B), which will allow victims of sexual violence to have their voter records sealed in order to protect them from their attacker, passed the State Senate today with bi-partisan support and will now be delivered to the Assembly for consideration. The bill in the Assembly is being sponsored by Assemblyman Gabryszak (D-Cheektowaga).

News From New York StateSenator Shirley L. HuntleyFor Immediate Release: February 16, 2012Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

*PRESS RELEASE*

Senator Shirley L. Huntley Passes Legislation to Better Protect Minors from Drug Abuse

Law would increase penalty for criminal sale of control substance to minors under age of 14