“As someone who’s been to all 62 counties a few times in the last year, I can tell you that this state is on fire,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul at an Oct. 18 tourism and craft beverage summit in Albany. “There is only one New York City, and we […]
Policy
Safety First
Proposed law would suspend drivers licenses for endangering children in school zones State Senator Jose Peralta and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick are pushing for stricter punishments for traffic violations in school zones, through legislation they unveiled last week. Under the proposed legislation, a 60-day license suspension will be implemented […]
Lawmakers want insurers to pay for tamper-proof opioid pills
A coalition of bipartisan lawmakers, police and addiction experts is urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign a bill that would require insurance plans to cover opioid prescription pills that are harder to crush or liquefy, and therefore abuse. Sen. George Amedore, Asssemblyman John McDonald and Albany County Sheriff Craig […]
Senate bill makes it easier for NY’ers to get cheaper version of life-saving EpiPens
Sen. Kemp Hannon has introduced a bill that would address the recent drastic price increase for a drug that treats anaphylactic shock — a severe, potentially life threatening allergic reaction that can be brought on by something as simple as peanut ingestion or a bee sting. The bill (S.8189) […]
New law prevents phone companies, utilities from charging deceased with early cancellation fees
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Tuesday that prevents phone companies and utility providers from charging a contract termination or early cancellation fees in the event of a customer’s death. “This was a heartless and inappropriate policy that is mostly borne by grieving New Yorkers grappling with the loss […]
New law allows owners to be buried with their pets in some cemeteries
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation allowing New Yorkers to be buried with their pets at not-for-profit cemeteries. “For many New Yorkers, their pets are members of the family,” Cuomo said. “This legislation will roll back this unnecessary regulation and give cemeteries the option to honor the last wishes of […]
Lawmaker asks State Ed to update HIV/AIDS curriculum; revise teacher training
Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, a Manhattan Democrat and sponsor of the Dignity for All Students Act, wants to change the way teachers are trained to detect bullying and harassment and improve the quality of HIV/AIDS education in high schools. In a letter to Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, O’Donnell laid out […]
Cuomo makes it easier for farmers to sell wine, beer and cider
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed two new laws that allow farm wineries, breweries and cideries to sell their products by the glass both on site and in off-site stores, further updating New York’s 80-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. These bills (S.5707-a/A.7960-a and S. 5341/A.5580) allow farm wineries, breweries and cideries […]