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New York State Senate

Politics
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature 'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature New Yorkers with felony convictions could soon serve on court juries after state lawmakers passed legislation reversing the lifetime ban on such service. The New York State Assembly on Friday, June 7, passed the “Jury of Our Peers Act,” which would allow those convicted of felonies to serve on New York juries once they are released from prison or have otherwise satisfied all of their sentencing requirements. Advocates say the move will help rectify an underrepresentation of minorities on juries. “Black New Yorkers have been systematically denied the right to serve on juries as they are dis…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Bridges In Region To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward A bill aimed at stopping suicides by adding preventive fencing to five Hudson Valley bridges has passed the New York State Senate unanimously. Now, the bill introduced by State Sen. Pete Harckham (D, Mount Kisco), will move to the State Assembly, whose session ends on Friday, June 7, for consideration. The bill mandates that climb deterrent fencing be installed on all bridges under the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) jurisdiction. The five Hudson Valley bridges are: Bear Mountain Bridge. Rip Van Winkle Bridge,  Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge,  Mid-Hudson Bridge,  Newbu…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Region Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Region
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Region Following an uproar concerning a proposed battery storage facility in the Hudson Valley, town officials are considering a temporary moratorium that would allow more time for leaders to consider the plans and hear from the public.  In response to a proposed lithium battery storage facility that would be located in the Putnam County hamlet of Mahopac at 24 Miller Rd., the Carmel Town Board is planning on holding a public hearing on a possible moratorium on energy storage systems in the town in June.  Earlier Report - Somers Officials Speak Out Against Battery Storage…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill New York lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at easing the immense burden on parents whose babies are stillborn. A bill introduced by Democratic State Sen. Timothy Kennedy – whose 63rd District represents most of Buffalo – would add birth of a stillborn child as a qualifying condition for receiving Paid Family Leave benefits. An earlier version of the bill passed the senate in March 2023, but it was not voted on in the assembly. Speaking on the senate floor before its passage in the chamber, Kennedy told his colleagues that the legislation is personal to him and his wife, whose bab…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster'
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Public outrage over the release of four suspects accused of dismembering and hiding the bodies of two murder victims in New York has led to proposed changes to state law. A bill introduced by Long Island Republican State Sen. Anthony Palumbo on Thursday, March 7, would make it a felony to dismember or conceal a human corpse, thereby making the offense eligible for bail. Palumbo said the legislation is a direct response to the “horrific” case in Suffolk County, where the severed body parts of a Yonkers couple were found strewn at Bethpage State Park, Southards Pond Park in Babylon, and a woo…

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by Michael Mashburn
Sports
Championship-Winning Team From College In Region Honored At NY State Capitol Championship-Winning Team From College In Region Honored At NY State Capitol
Championship-Winning Team From College In Region Honored At NY State Capitol The first college team to win a national title from a school in Westchester was honored during a celebration held at the New York State Capitol.  The Pleasantville-based Pace University women's lacrosse team, the Setters, which won the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship on Sunday, May 21, 2023, after beating No. 1-ranked West Chester University 19-9, was honored at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, Jan. 16, university officials announced.  Earlier Report - White House Visit: Championship-Winning Team From Pace University Honored During the celebration…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
New County Executive From Region Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm New County Executive From Region Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm
New County Executive From Region Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm Despite the region’s first major storm of the winter season dropping more than a foot of snow in parts of the Hudson Valley, more than 350 guests attended the swearing-in of a new county executive. The swearing-in event for Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino was held on Sunday, Jan. 7 at Dutchess Community College’s Aviation Education Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger.  “I am so honored and humbled to be with you all as I take my ceremonial Oath of Office for this position," Serino said. "As I get to work for Dutchess County, I want to thank each and every on…

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by Kathy Reakes
Obituaries
Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant' Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant'
Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant' Tributes are pouring in from across the political world following the sudden death of a county lawmaker in the region. Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter died Thursday, Dec. 14, at the age of 38, the legislature announced. “It is with tremendous sadness and sorrow that we have learned about the passing of one of our beloved members, Legislator Matthew Peter,” reads the statement. “As we mourn this unbelievable loss, we remember the man that we knew as a fierce public servant, a trusted companion, and a loyal friend.” The statement goes on to describe Peter as “a go-getter” who entered…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors 'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors As federal officials highlight the possible harm that social media can cause to children, a New York State Senator is seeking to make it unlawful for minors to use online platforms without permission from their parents.  New York State Senator Jack Martins, a Republican who represents the state's 7th State Senate district which includes part of Nassau County, has introduced legislation that would make it illegal for social media companies to allow minors to create or maintain accounts without obtaining consent from their parents or guardians, Martin's office announced on Friday, May 26.…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints
Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints The head of the New York State Police is stepping down after Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed her office was investigating allegations that he mishandled internal personnel complaints. State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen, age 59, of Glens Falls in Warren County, announced his resignation Friday, Oct. 7, the agency said in a statement.  His official last day will be Wednesday, Oct. 19. "Today I accepted the resignation of State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen,” Hochul said in a statement. “I thank him for his years of public service.” First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will …

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win
Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win Now that Democrat Pat Ryan has won the special election for New York’s open 19th House seat, the jockeying has begun to fill his vacant Ulster County executive position. Three names, all Democrats, have emerged so far. Earlier Report: Pat Ryan's Congressional Special Election Win Cited Nationally As Bellwether They include March Gallagher, the current Ulster County comptroller, Jennifer Metzger, a former state senator, and Marc Rider, the deputy county executive. Gallagher, who served as president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, announced her interest in a Face…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term
NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term After six years on the job, New York’s top-ranking judge is stepping down midway through her term. In a letter to colleagues sent Monday, July 11, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said she plans to retire in August and “move on to the next chapter in life.” Here's the letter NY Chief Judge Janet DiFiore sent to her colleagues today, confirming she will step down Aug. 31. pic.twitter.com/yQxwCjOJM3 — Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) July 11, 2022 DiFiore, a Democrat and lifelong resident of Westchester County, was appointed to the role by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and confirmed by the state Senate i…

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by Michael Mashburn