Issues: Domestic Violence

Judges required to consider victim’s risk factors before determining bail

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation to further protect victims of domestic violence by requiring judges to consider certain risk factors to victims when determining bail in domestic violence cases (S.1414A).

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced several key initiatives to protect and strengthen communities across the state have been included in the 2012-13 New York State Budget.

Senator Saland has a long history of addressing domestic violence issues and has passed numerous laws over the past decade. Among the items he negotiated into this Budget:

Gallivan: “Senate Plan Cuts Taxes, Reforms Medicaid, Protects Seniors and Schools.”

The New York State Senate voted to approve its 2012-13 Senate Budget resolution, continuing its focus on state spending, job creation, and structural reform to government.

The Senate budget, at just under $132.5 billion, keeps the total state spending increase below two percent, and spends less than the Executive Budget. The budget closes a $2 billion budget deficit and builds on last year’s successes in putting the state’s fiscal house in order.

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.

ONEONTA, 11/29/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced he is co-sponsoring legislation that will close a loophole in the state’s child abuse reporting requirements.  The “College Coaches and Professionals Reporting Act” adds college coaches, athletic directors, professors, graduate assistants, administrators and college presidents to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse in New York.