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Legislation

Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children
Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Big changes are on the horizon for those TikTok and Instagram feeds. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation Thursday, June 20, meant to combat what lawmakers called “addictive” social media algorithms aimed at minors, the first such law in the country. Under the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act, social media companies will be required to display content chronologically for users under 18 unless they get parental consent allowing them to show content that is selected algorithmically instead. Content that is algorithmically curated relies on a user’s behavior and past …
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians ‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians New York politicians wasted no time reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision striking down a federal ban on bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire more quickly. In their 6-3 ruling Friday, June 14, with conservatives in the majority, the high court sided with a Texas gun store owner who surrendered his bump stocks after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reclassified the devices as machine guns in 2018. He later sued to get them back. The ATF’s regulation, issued under the Trump administration with his full support, came about after the 2017 Las Veg…
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges 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…
Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run
Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run Officials are one step closer to installing two red light cameras at busy Westchester intersections following a hit-run that left a beloved community leader dead.  Following a request for two red light cameras to be put at two busy intersections in Greenburgh made by the Town Board, the New York State Legislature has approved legislation authorizing their installation, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner announced on Wednesday, June 4.  The cameras would be located at the intersection of Old Army Road and Ardsley Road as well as East Hartsdale Avenue and Roc…
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley 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…
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly 'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly Two years after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, state lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at closing the dangerous loophole that led to her killing. On Tuesday, May 21, the New York Assembly passed “Melanie’s Law,” allowing judges to expand orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of named victims of domestic violence, regardless of their age. The legislation is named after Melanie Chianese, who was stabbed to death on May 29, 2022, inside the Dutchess County residence in Wappingers Falls that she shared with …
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers 'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers New York lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at protecting sex trafficking survivors and closing a legal loophole often used by their abusers. The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act (STSJEA), introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, would decriminalize prostitution and automatically expunge all prior convictions for prostitution. If passed, the bill would also: Eliminate a loophole in New York State law that prevents sex abusers from being charged with promotion of prostitution when they traffic people to themselves Prevent people from being charged as a…
Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed
Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed Months after the mutilated remains of a Hudson Valley couple were found strewn across Long Island, prosecutors have charged two suspects with their murders. Jeffrey Mackey, age 36, and Alexis Nieves, age 33, both of Amityville, were arraigned on additional charges of murder and related offenses in Suffolk County Court on Friday, April 26 in the killings of Malcolm Brown and Donna Conneely. Prosecutors said the couple was stabbed to death after entering Mackey and Nieves’ Amityville residence on Railroad Avenue on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Earlier Report: Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Fel…
Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Westchester County Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Westchester County
Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Westchester County One of two murder victims whose dismembered remains were found strewn across Long Island has numerous ties to the Hudson Valley. Suffolk County Police said the severed remains of Donna Conneely, age 59, were discovered Thursday, Feb. 29, at Babylon’s Southards Pond Park.  Homicide detectives located additional remains on Tuesday, March 5, at Bethpage State Park and in a wooded residential area in West Babylon. Homicide detectives have located human remains at Bethpage State Park, Southards Pond Park in Babylon, and in a wooded area along Lakeway Drive in West Babylon.  Googl…
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims For the first time, police have publicly identified one of two murder victims from Westchester County whose mutilated remains were found strewn across Long Island, reigniting the debate over bail reform laws. In an update to the case Monday, March 11, Suffolk County Police identified the female victim as 59-year-old Donna Conneely, whose last known address was in Yonkers. The identity of the male victim is still pending confirmation from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office. Earlier Report: Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived D…
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…
Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill
Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill Chick-fil-A could soon be forced to open some New York locations on Sundays, overturning a policy that dates back nearly eight decades. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require the chicken chain – and any other food service businesses located at New York State Thruway rest stops – to remain open seven days a week. While the legislation would affect all Thruway food businesses, its sponsor, Democratic Assemblymember Tony Simone, made it clear that his bill targets Chick-fil-A specifically. “It makes no sense for restaurants at rest stops to be closed on one of the busiest t…
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says The man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a New York campground has formally denied any wrongdoing, Albany station WTEN reports.  Saratoga County resident Craig Nelson Ross Jr., age 46, of Milton, pleaded not guilty to nine criminal charges in Saratoga County Court on Friday, Nov. 17, the outlet said. Ross is charged with the following: First-degree kidnapping Four counts of sexual assault Two counts of sexual abuse Endangering the welfare of a child Assault Ross was arrested Monday, Oct. 2, 48 hours after allegedly kidnapping the girl from a campground at Moreau Lake Stat…
Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report
Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman has been criminally charged with a misdemeanor after pulling a fire alarm at a congressional building in Washington, DC while rushing to make a vote, according to a report by NBC News.  New, updated report - New Update: Westchester Rep. Bowman To Pay Fine After Pulling Fire Alarm, He Says Bowman (NY-16), a Democrat, now faces a charge of falsely pulling a firearm in connection to an incident that happened on Saturday, Sept. 30, NBC News reported.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester County, including the suburban citie…
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Get ready to smile big on future visits to New York state parks. New legislation introduced by State Sen. Jim Tedisco would require all state parks, campgrounds, and recreational facilities in New York to have security cameras at all entrances and exits. Tedisco, a Republican whose 44th State Senate district represents portions of Saratoga and Schenectady counties, announced the proposal Thursday, Oct. 5 on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We don’t need the state to ‘study’ and ‘review’ the need for security cameras at our state parks and campgrounds, we need them installed as soon as possib…
Clerks At 6 Stores Charged With Selling Alcohol To Minors In Hudson Valley: Police Clerks At 6 Stores Charged With Selling Alcohol To Minors In Hudson Valley: Police
Clerks At 6 Stores Charged With Selling Alcohol To Minors In Hudson Valley: Police Clerks at six liquor stores in the Hudson Valley face charges after they were caught selling alcohol to underage customers during a series of compliance checks, police said.  The six clerks were caught during a series of alcohol compliance checks conducted over three weeks in May 2023 by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, authorities announced on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The checks targeted stores in each town and village in Putnam at various times of day to make sure that they would not sell alcohol to people under the age of 21. To do this, an underage person under direct supervision by a l…
County In Hudson Valley Advances Legislation To Stop NYC From Sending Migrants County In Hudson Valley Advances Legislation To Stop NYC From Sending Migrants
County In Hudson Valley Advances Legislation To Stop NYC From Sending Migrants A county in the Hudson Valley is moving to advance legislation that would prevent other municipalities, including New York City, from sending migrants and asylum seekers to facilities within its borders. The legislation was presented by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne during a meeting held by the Putnam County Legislature's Rules Committee, county officials announced on Tuesday, June 27.  During the meeting, the committee unanimously voted to advance this legislation, which would prevent outside municipalities from housing members of its homeless population, migrants, and asyl…
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing 'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing One year after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her own mother’s ex-boyfriend, a state lawmaker is pushing to close what he calls the “dangerous” loophole that led to her killing. Dutchess County resident Melanie Chianese, age 29, of the town of Wappinger, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds on May 29, 2022. Deputies from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office found her while responding to a home on Scott Drive in Wappinger for a report of a woman being injured. Earlier Report: Man Sentenced For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend's Daughter In Poughkeepsie She was rushed…
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says ‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says Recent mass shootings that killed six people at an elementary school in Tennessee and five more at a bank in Kentucky might not have occurred had those states implemented so-called “red flag” laws like New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. In an op-ed written for USA Today Network and shared on the governor's website, Hochul touted the measures, which allow a court to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) that temporarily prohibits someone from buying or possessing a gun should they be deemed a danger to themselves or others. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the state’s ERPO in…
These Westchester Agencies Broke Law, Warned For Not Submitting Financial Reports These Westchester Agencies Broke Law, Warned For Not Submitting Financial Reports
These Westchester Agencies Broke Law, Warned For Not Submitting Financial Reports Several public authorities in Westchester have been issued an official warning by a New York state agency for breaking the law and failing to submit financial reports before the required deadlines.  The list of public agencies that failed to submit financial reports was released by the New York State Authorities Budget Office in March 2023, and constitutes an official warning for every organization that appears on it, officials said in the report.  According to law, the state and local authorities that appear on the list must file an annual report and audit report within 90 d…
Plastic Utensils, Condiments For Takeout Orders Banned In Westchester: Unless You Ask Plastic Utensils, Condiments For Takeout Orders Banned In Westchester: Unless You Ask
Plastic Utensils, Condiments For Takeout Orders Banned In Westchester: Unless You Ask Anyone ordering takeout in Westchester will be forced to go without plastic utensils or single-use condiment packets unless they remember to ask for them, thanks to a new law.  The new legislation, signed into law by County Executive George Latimer on Monday, March 6 after being passed unanimously by the Board of Legislators, is aimed to reduce the amount of plastic that enters the county's waste stream, according to county officials.  The law stipulates the following:  No restaurant can provide single-use utensils or condiment packets to takeout or dine-in customers unless…
It's The Tappan Zee: Hudson Valley Democrat Leading New Charge To Change Bridge's Official Name It's The Tappan Zee: Hudson Valley Democrat Leading New Charge To Change Bridge's Official Name
It's The Tappan Zee: Hudson Valley Democrat Leading New Charge To Change Bridge's Official Name A Hudson Valley Democrat has jumped on board with Republicans by sponsoring a bill to change the official name of the nearly 70-year-old bridge linking Westchester and Rockland counties to the Tappan Zee Bridge. The bridge's official name was changed to the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge during the governorship of his son, Andrew Cuomo, though it still universally remains known as the Tappan Zee Bridge. State Sen. James Skoufis, whose 42nd District represents much of northern Orange County, is sponsoring the three-year-old bill that was once championed by former Republican State Sen. Mike …
Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise
Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise New York State lawmakers have voted to give themselves a significant pay raise days before Christmas, a move that would make them the highest paid in the country. Meeting for a special session in Albany on Thursday, Dec. 22, the legislature approved a bill that raises member pay by $32,000, bringing their total annual compensation to $142,000, beginning in 2023. The final vote in the Senate was 33 to 23 in favor, and 81 to 52 in the Assembly, WRGB reports. Every Republican in the Assembly voted against the pay hike. If the bill becomes law, it would also cap how much legislators can make…
Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law
Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law A new state law in New York means no more worrying about whether you’re at the correct polling location. The legislation, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday, Dec. 6, requires that affidavit ballots cast by eligible voters who appear at the wrong polling place must still be counted, as long as they are voting in the correct county or assembly district. Hochul’s office said the move will strengthen protections for New Yorkers’ right to vote and have their ballots counted in races they are entitled to vote in while also encouraging voter participation. "Access to the ballot box shouldn't b…
Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings
Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings The game of baseball took a backseat for a pair of rival teams who took the opportunity to encourage gun control and legislative action after the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Texas, and elsewhere in the US. Social media departments from the New York Yankees and AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays teamed up during their matchup on Thursday, May 26 to forego tweeting and messaging about their game, and instead used it to promote gun law reform. “In lieu of game coverage and in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Rays, we will be using our channels to offer facts about the impacts of gun violence,…
New Bars, Restaurants In NYC To Open More Quickly Under Legislation Signed By Hochul New Bars, Restaurants In NYC To Open More Quickly Under Legislation Signed By Hochul
New Bars, Restaurants In NYC To Open More Quickly Under Legislation Signed By Hochul New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation in an effort to make it easier for new bars, restaurants and breweries to open quickly. The new legislative package allows temporary retail permits to be issued to bars and restaurants opening in New York City, officials announced on Wednesday, Dec. 22. Officials said the current law prevents businesses in the city to be granted temporary liquor licenses, and the State Liquor Authority can only provide the permanent licenses after a lengthy review process. The new legislation allows the State Liquor Authority to grant temporary liquor l…
Two Incidents Lead To New Law Prohibiting Hate Symbols On Public Property In NY Two Incidents Lead To New Law Prohibiting Hate Symbols On Public Property In NY
Two Incidents Lead To New Law Prohibiting Hate Symbols On Public Property In NY New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a new law prohibiting municipal corporations from displaying hate symbols following two incidents last year on Long Island. The new legislation, signed on Tuesday, Nov. 2, prohibits any municipal corporation, including fire districts, volunteer fire departments, police departments, and school districts, from selling or displaying symbols of hate, according to an announcement from the state. The state said symbols that are prohibited include, but are not limited to "symbols of White supremacy, neo-Nazi ideology, or the Confederate battle flag." The leg…
Where's Cuomo? Governor Has Not Been Since In Public Since AG Sex Harassment Probe Interview Where's Cuomo? Governor Has Not Been Since In Public Since AG Sex Harassment Probe Interview
Where's Cuomo? Governor Has Not Been Since In Public Since AG Sex Harassment Probe Interview Some are questioning where Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been as he failed to make any public appearances this week after meeting with investigators from the New York Attorney General’s Office as the sexual harassment probe into him nears its conclusion. Cuomo was scheduled to be questioned by outside lawyers in Albany on Saturday, July 17 following allegations by at least eight women who claim that he harassed or acted inappropriately with or around them. Earlier story - Cuomo To Be Interviewed In Sexual Harassment Investigation However, since that interview, Cuomo, once the face of New York’s fi…
New Law Changes Age Of Consent To Be Married in NY New Law Changes Age Of Consent To Be Married in NY
New Law Changes Age Of Consent To Be Married in NY New York State has raised the age of consent to be married, building upon previous legislation to eliminate child marriage in the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a measure on Thursday, July 22 raising the age of consent to be married in the state to 18. Previously, 17-year-olds could be married with judicial and parental consent. The measure is set to take effect 30 days after becoming law. It applies to licenses issued after that date. "This administration fought hard to successfully end child marriage in New York and I'm proud to sign this legislation to strengthen our laws and further p…
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park Lawmakers in New York will have to wait, as their efforts to remove the Trump name from a Hudson Valley state park stalled in the Assembly. The state Senate approved a bill this week that could have led to New York stripping the Trump title from the rarely frequented Donald J. Trump State Park on the Westchester-Putnam border. Earlier story - NY May Rename Trump State Park The Senate approved a new, scaled-down version of the legislation with the hope of getting it passed before the Legislature wrapped its annual session at the state Capitol this week. However, the Assembly didn’t take up…
COVID-19: Forging A Vaccination Card Could Soon Be A Felony In New York COVID-19: Forging A Vaccination Card Could Soon Be A Felony In New York
Covid-19: Forging A Vaccination Card Could Soon Be A Felony In New York Lawmakers in New York are looking to make penalties harsher for those attempting to forge COVID-19 vaccination cards to fraudulently claim they’ve been vaccinated. The Democratic-led Assembly has proposed legislation that would make it a felony in New York to forge a vaccination card or fraudulently provide proof of immunity with the intent to defraud. “New Yorkers deserve to know that when they attend an event or go to a ballgame where proof of vaccination is required that those around them are not putting people at risk by using forged documents,” Assemblymember Jeff Dinowitz stated. “…