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The New York State Senate today passed two bills that would help businesses save money by increasing commercial tax exemptions for heating fuel and helping dairy farms invest in energy-efficient technology.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation that would prosecute those who intentionally or recklessly damage the environment while committing another crime.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to require certain violent felons to serve their maximum prison term if there is evidence that their release would pose an imminent threat to society.

The New York State Senate today passed a bill that would increase the fines for passing a stopped school bus. The bill (S.1064), sponsored by Senator George Maziarz, also requires criminal penalties for drivers who injure or kill a person by doing so.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), to require mandatory jail sentences for repeat DWI offenders.“Every year, thousands of convicted DWI offenders are arrested for driving drunk again, and they are not required to spend one day in jail under current law.  That sends the wrong message.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to encourage the building of more “green” homes by creating a property tax exemption.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S2149) sponsored by Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida), that would create a farm-to-senior program to promote the purchase of New York State farm products by senior center

The New York State Senate today passed two bills that would allow for the use of  lever-style voting machines in non-federal elections in New York City, and in elections held by villages, school districts and special districts.Legislation (

In an effort to keep serial drunk drivers off the road, the New York State Senate today passed “Vince’s Law”, which would establish a stronger penalty for multiple DWI convictions.

The bill (S.4267), sponsored by Senator John DeFrancisco (R-C-I, Syracuse) creates a new Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, if a driver is convicted of three or more DWIs in a 25-year period.  Currently, the law for multiple DWIs only includes offenses committed over a 10-year period.