Stephen M. Saland's Press releases

Bill creates a State Trooper Highway Memorial Task Force

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced Senate passage of his bill, S.698, which creates a State Trooper Highway Memorial Task Force to provide for the recognition of members of the Division of State Police who have died in the line of duty.

The Task Force would establish guidelines for how state troopers who have given their lives in the line of duty should be memorialized. The Commissioner of Transportation would then be responsible for the installation and maintenance of memorial signs. The memorial designation would not alter the official name of the highway.

Measure Prompted by Murder of Utica Woman by Career Rapist on Parole

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 bill (S.6020A) would help protect the public by keeping repeat offenders off the streets and limit “good behavior” and other rewards from reducing the time spent in prison.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) today announced Michael Tokarz of Red Oaks Mill was inducted into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The veterans selected are recognized not only for their distinctive military service, but also for the service and commitment shown to their community that helps make New York a better place.

Legislation will ensure funding goes directly to road and bridge repair

The New York State Senate today passed the Bridge and Road Investment and Dedicated Fund Guaranteed Enforcement Reform Act, also known as the BRIDGE Reform Act. The bill (S.1071 will ensure that the dedicated fund, originally enacted in 1991, will go towards rebuilding, replacing and reconditioning highways and bridges to improve the safety of drivers who travel them.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to prevent the tragic injuries and deaths that can occur due to hazing at colleges and universities. The bill (S.1937) would help cut down on hazing by strengthening a college or university’s enforcement authority and increasing awareness of the consequences of hazing, underage drinking, and illegal drug use.

Bill closes loophole after Court of Appeals ruling that it is not a crime

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.7407) that would make the viewing of child pornography a felony crime. The bill amends current state law to say that a person is guilty of a crime when the person knowingly accesses child pornography with the intent to view.

The legislation comes after a state Court of Appeals ruling earlier this month that said viewing child pornography on the Internet is not a crime. This legislation closes that loophole.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that requires the courts to impose consecutive sentences on inmates who commit acts of violence against correctional employees (S.4436A).

Currently, it is possible for a judge to issue concurrent sentences for multiple counts arising from separate acts against employees of correctional facilities. Under S.4436A, crimes committed against correctional personnel by current inmates will be required to run consecutively with regard to any convictions the offender is currently serving.

The New York State Senate has passed legislation that would make it a crime for school employees to engage in sexual activity with students, including those who are older than New York’s legal age of consent. The bill (S.6714) addresses inappropriate student-school employee relationships by criminalizing sexual conduct between school employees and full-time students of elementary and secondary schools.

The New York State Senate has passed legislation that would close a loophole in the state health law that gave a Western New York man who killed his wife the sole rights to her remains.

In 2009, Constance Shepherd of Tonawanda was brutally murdered by her husband, Stephen Shepherd. Her family fought to gain control of her remains to ensure a proper funeral and burial. However, under the state Public Health Law Stephen Shepherd had the sole rights to control the disposal of her remains. 

When the husband did finally act, it was to dispose of her body in a way that her family believes was intentionally disrespectful, in violation of the woman's beliefs and a further act of hostility towards her.