Issues: Children

ALBANY, NEW YORK – On Thursday, the New York State Senate passed legislation to impose harsher penalties against child pornographers, including increased prison time by way of consecutive sentences, as well as changing punishments from felonies to first degree crimes. The bill also extends protections to all children under the age of 18. Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) is the prime sponsor of the legislation.

The legislation (S2266), would amend current law with the following measures:

1) Ensure that criminals face longer periods in prison when charged with multiple crimes by imposing consecutive sentences;

2) Provide additional protection to minors by increasing the age benchmark of a child from 16 to 18 and;

FAIRPORT AND EAST ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Today, Senator Ted O’Brien stood with local residents and insurance representatives to promote safe driving through the “X the TXT” initiative, amid recent reports that texting while driving now causes more teen fatalities than drunk driving.

“As a father and a legislator, my top priority is keeping our children safe from harm,” Senator O’Brien said. “Texting while driving is one of the leading easily prevented causes of death among young people today. The ‘X the TXT’ program is a great way to educate our kids about the dangers of texting while driving and help them make good decisions when they’re on the road. I’m proud to support this life-saving initiative.”

ALBANY, NY – Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) honored Sofie Somoroff, a seventeen year old from the Bronx at the 16th Annual Women of Distinction celebration that took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Late last year, Somoroff was named the Grand Prize Winner of the OnBuzz Reach for the Stars Aspiring Filmmakers Contest for her lyrical, 71-second “micro-movie,” entitled “Me,” that concerns the subject of bullying. Somoroff is a junior at Bronx High School of Science and a resident of Riverdale.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation that makes it a crime for any school employee or volunteer to have sexual contact with a student, even if that student is at the age of consent.

Senate, Assembly pass bill to strengthen courts’ ability to protect children by streamlining process required to revoke parental rights after severe or repeat abuse. Bill now heads to Governor to be signed into law.    

Kennedy:  After taking this important step to protect children, now it’s time to pass Jay J.’s Law and ensure those who hurt children end up behind bars for a long, long time.