ALBANY -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement welcoming Governor Cuomo's proposal to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public view, and urging his colleagues in the Senate to pass the reform before the end of the legislative session later this month:
The 'in plain view' marijuana possession statute, and the inconsistent way in which it is enforced, call out for reform.
In large parts of our City, entire communities feel like suspects targeted by law enforcement instead of citizens protected by it. It is simply unfair that some New Yorkers - especially young black and latino men - are disproportionately singled out when it comes to enforcing this statute, one of the factors leading to major concerns with the way stop and frisk is implemented.
That's why Governor Cuomo's call to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public view is an important step toward ending these inequities. By changing our state law, the Governor's proposal can help ensure consistency and prevent a minor offense from undermining the future of many young New Yorkers.
Thank you to Governor Cuomo for taking the lead on repealing this statute, and to all of my colleagues in government who are working toward the reforms in police-community relations our City needs. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass this much-needed reform before the end of the legislative session.
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