Newsroom

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to help protect jurors whose safety may be threatened, while also ensuring the integrity of judicial outcomes. The bill (S1513), sponsored by Senator Carl L.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Dean Skelos, that would increase criminal penalties for carjacking a vehicle when there is a child inside. “Thefts of this nature not only traumatize children but place them at great risk of being physically harmed, either at the hands of the carjacker, by a stranger if the car is abandoned, or during a police chase,” Senator Skelos said.  “This bill would give prosecutors more tools to go after any criminal who jeopardizes a child as part of a carjacking.”

I am pleased that we have reached agreement on a responsible budget that includes the longtime Senate Republican priorities to create new jobs and cut taxes for hardworking, middle-class families. As part of this budget, we will provide a $350 Family Tax Relief check to families with children, offer incentives to help small businesses create new jobs, and eliminate the energy tax surcharge over the next three years, all initiatives highlighted by the Senate Republican conference throughout the budget process. 

The New York State Senate today passed a package of bills cracking down on rapists and sex offenders by creating new crimes and increasing penalties.  Legislation (S.1459) sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos (R, Rockville Centre) ensures significantly longer prison sentences for serial rapists. Under current law, it is possible for a judge to issue concurrent sentences for multiple counts arising from separate and distinct acts of rape. The legislation would require consecutive prison sentences for each separate count of first-degree rape when an individual is convicted of multiple counts, keeping dangerous felons off the streets for as long as possible.  

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, (S.3047) sponsored by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset),  that would ensure timely payment of state income tax refunds. The bill requires the state to pay tax refunds within 30 days of the receipt of a taxpayer’s return, unless there is a discrepancy in the return.   “If taxpayers who  do the right thing and file on time, the state should do the right thing and  get the refunds out the door in a timely fashion,” said Senator Marcellino. “It shouldn’t take up to eight weeks to get your money back.  I think the state can do better and this legislation would make sure that they do.”

The New York State Senate today acted on legislation that would crack down on the growing black market in non-controlled prescription drugs which puts patients at risk and rips off taxpayers through Medicaid fraud.  Legislation (S.2942) sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon (R-C-I, Garden City) makes it a crime to fraudulently prescribe, buy, and sell these types of medications.

Senate Republicans today announced they would restore millions of dollars for important women’s health programs - - including initiatives to help women overcome the trauma of rape, eating disorders and breast cancer- - that were targeted for reduction as part of the Governor’s Executive Budget. Approximately $8 million in cuts in these areas were rejected as part of the Senate’s one-house budget plan, which was expected to be acted on later today. Under the Executive Budget proposal, the Governor recommended shifting funding for 16 women’s health and wellness programs into six discretionary “pools,” and then subjected those “pools” to a 10 percent, across-the-board cut.

A report issued today by the State Department of Labor highlights the steady, bipartisan progress we’ve made with Governor Cuomo in controlling spending and taxes, creating new private sector jobs and turning New York’s economy around.                                                

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions in New York State.