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State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) is pleased to announce a new law that requires the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to aid local governments and law enforcement agencies in planning for potential child abduction cases in their area.

"This latest development strengthens New York's Amber Alert Plan," Senator Farley said. "Statistics consistently show that time is of the essence and is one of the most crucial factors in finding a missing child.

I am pleased to report that Governor George Pataki recently signed into law a bill I co-sponsored to impose tougher penalties on those who take part in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive drug.

This new legislation amends the current penal laws to create specific crimes and penalties for the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

As some families are getting ready for back-to-school supplies and others eye fall fashions, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds shoppers that New York's Sales Tax Free Week on clothing will be held from Tuesday, August 30th through Monday, September 5th (Labor Day).

"This means all purchases of clothing and footwear items of less than $110 will be tax free between Aug. 30th and Sept. 5th," Senator Farley said. "Last January, New York shoppers saved $37.2 million during a sales tax free week.

To help keep dangerous drivers off the road, the State Senate has led the fight to strengthen our laws. The Senate also advocated for the passage of "Sean's Law," which allows for prompt suspension of a junior driver's license or permit for minors who are charged with alcohol-related traffic offenses.

Alcohol and drugs reduce all of the important physical and mental skills you need to drive safely. In New York State, a driver with a BAC of .08 is legally drunk.

Internet safety and online messages boards are big concerns for parents, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) said. Children may think they are being safe online, but predators are often able to find out personal information about the youth.

"Many recent media reports discuss teen-agers creating websites and posting on message boards," Senator Farley said. "The teens think they are being safe but a determined predator may pick up on subtle clues such as a teen wearing a T-shirt with the school's name.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) is pleased to announce that Gov. George Pataki has signed into law legislation that will require prescription drug prices to be posted online to give consumers easy access to the drug price list.

Governor George E. Pataki and Senator Hugh T.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) joined Governor George E. Pataki in announcing that nearly $4 million will be provided to 30 home care agencies across the State under the Telemedicine Demonstration Project, which will identify new technologies and help improve quality of care and disease management for home care patients across the State.

"New York is recognized as a leader in advancing initiatives that help fortify our world-class health care system," Governor Pataki said.

In this recent Session, the Legislature worked on toughening penalties for violations of the vehicle and traffic laws. Hopefully, these measures will help ensure that drivers think twice before being aggressive on the highway.

The Legislature approved a bill (S.4584), which the Governor signed into law (Chapter 49), that increases the criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when someone is killed to up to seven years in prison. Under the provisions of the bill, jail time and fines would be increased for all levels of leaving the scene violations.