Stephen M. Saland's Press releases

The New York State Senate today passed a bill that would increase the penalties for stalking (S. 924A). An estimated 3.4 million people are victims of stalking in the United States each year.

Bills intended to make riding bus safer for students, enhance communication, and make “school bus” signs more economical

The New York State Senate today passed a series school bus bills that will ensure child safety and enhanced communication.

A bill was passed that increases the penalties for passing a stopped school bus (S.3099A). The legislation would impose a sixty day suspension of a driver’s license if convicted of passing a stopped school bus two or more times.

This legislation would make the penalties for passing a stopped school bus multiple times the same as penalties for drivers convicted of speeding in a construction zone two or more times.

All Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions Would Require Submission of DNA Sample

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) for the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994 (S.5560A). The legislation mirrors the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget to require people convicted of all felonies, as well as all misdemeanors in the penal law to submit DNA samples.

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie), today announced that the New York State Senate has passed his legislation (S.1417B) imposing stricter penalties on criminals who possess or promote child pornography.

Presently, child pornographers can be prosecuted for the same charge whether they promote one or many obscene images. Under Senator Saland’s bill, penalties would be increased for those who exploit children, as well as those who possess obscene materials. In addition, this legislation creates graduated penalties for those who possess multiple images of children in obscene sexual performances.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), to create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers.

“Wrong-way drivers have caused tragedies and endangered lives on our roadways; it has to stop. Creating felony charges for wrong-way and reckless drivers will give law enforcement another tool to prosecute these individuals and get them off the roads,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has just unveiled his new Executive Budget Proposal -- marking the beginning of the State Budget negotiation and adoption process for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year.

Senator Saland credited with facilitating the new funding from Albany

Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene will work with the New York State Office of Mental Health and various community partners to improve and expand mental health services in Dutchess County, utilizing an additional $1.5 million in continuous funding from New York State secured through the advocacy of New York State Senator Steve Saland.

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that his legislation which amends the Public Officers Law to require that certain records, which are the subject of a discussion conducted at an open meeting, be made available to the public (S.3255B) has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Review Cites Progress For New York On Taxpayer Protection, Public Safety, Economic Justice, Public Integrity, Civil Rights & Environmental Protection

The Office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued an end-of-the-year review detailing many of its accomplishments in areas including public safety, economic justice, taxpayer protection, public integrity, civil rights and environmental protection.