Regular Session - April 29, 2013

                                                                   2017

 1               NEW YORK STATE SENATE

 2                          

 3                          

 4              THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD

 5                          

 6                          

 7                          

 8                          

 9                  ALBANY, NEW YORK

10                   April 29, 2013

11                     3:19 p.m.

12                          

13                          

14                  REGULAR SESSION

15  

16  

17  

18  SENATOR JOSEPH GRIFFO, Acting President

19  FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary

20  

21  

22  

23  

24  

25  


                                                               2018

 1               P R O C E E D I N G S

 2                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The 

 3   Senate will come to order.  

 4                I ask all present to please rise 

 5   and join with me as we recite the Pledge of 

 6   Allegiance to our Flag.

 7                (Whereupon, the assemblage recited 

 8   the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)

 9                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Today's 

10   invocation will be offered by the Reverend 

11   Dr. Richard Hasselbach, pastor of the Clarkstown 

12   Reformed Church in West Nyack.  

13                Pastor?

14                PASTOR HASSELBACH:   Thank you very 

15   much.  

16                And a word of thanks to all of you 

17   for your welcome to me today, and especially to 

18   Senator Carlucci, who extended this invitation 

19   and tremendous warmth.  

20                So let's pray.

21                Creator God, we praise You for Your 

22   presence and Your action in our world.  You are 

23   the One who gives us the unalienable rights to 

24   live in security, to act with freedom, to pursue 

25   our happiness, and to be secure in our 


                                                               2019

 1   property.  We do not have these rights from any 

 2   sovereign power other than You.  They are the 

 3   gifts of Your creative love.

 4                Whenever these rights are assailed, 

 5   You are assailed.  Whenever these rights are 

 6   compromised, Your will is thwarted.  And 

 7   whenever these rights are denied, You weep for 

 8   Your people.

 9                Bless the members of this body.  

10   Give them the courage to do what is right and 

11   the wisdom to know what is best for this state 

12   and for all of its people.

13                Let them resist all temptation to 

14   do the easy, popular thing rather than the 

15   difficult and just thing.

16                Help them to have servant hearts 

17   and to know that the office entrusted to them 

18   must be exercised with humility and integrity.

19                Keep this great deliberative body 

20   honest.  Let each member transcend the 

21   narrowness of party ideology and self-interest.  

22   Let them listen in this chamber as well as 

23   speak.  And as they listen, may it be with open 

24   minds and open hearts.

25                Protect all who work here.  Keep 


                                                               2020

 1   them safe in mind and body and free from all 

 2   harm.  Bless the work of the people done here, 

 3   and protect our Senators from all evil of 

 4   whatever kind.  Make them men and women of 

 5   integrity, and give them a passion for truth.

 6                We are Your hands and we are Your 

 7   voice, Creator God, for we are Your people.  

 8   Inspired by the giants upon whose shoulders we 

 9   stand, give us the courage to be willing in the 

10   struggles of our day to risk all lest we lose 

11   what is more than all.  

12                We ask this in Your holy and 

13   unutterable name, You the God who creates and 

14   sustains us and who has brought us to this 

15   moment.  You are the One who lives forever.  And 

16   we can all say amen.

17                Thank you.

18                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Thank 

19   you, Pastor Hasselbach.

20                The reading of the Journal.

21                THE SECRETARY:   In Senate, Sunday, 

22   April 28th, the Senate met pursuant to 

23   adjournment.  The Journal of Friday, April 26th, 

24   was read and approved.  On motion, Senate 

25   adjourned.


                                                               2021

 1                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Without 

 2   objection, the Journal stands approved as read.

 3                Presentation of petitions.

 4                Messages from the Assembly.

 5                Messages from the Governor.

 6                Reports of standing committees.

 7                Reports of select committees.

 8                Communications and reports from 

 9   state officers.

10                Motions and resolutions.

11                Senator Fuschillo.

12                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Mr. President, 

13   on behalf of Senator Maziarz, on page number 23 I 

14   offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 

15   347, Senate Print Number 4004, and ask that said 

16   bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.

17                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The 

18   amendments are received, and the bill shall 

19   retain its place on third reading.

20                Senator Fuschillo.

21                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Will you please 

22   recognize Senator Valesky.

23                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

24   Valesky.

25                SENATOR VALESKY:   Thank you, 


                                                               2022

 1   Senator Fuschillo.

 2                Mr. President, on behalf of 

 3   Senator Klein, on page 13 I offer the following 

 4   amendments to Calendar Number 155, Senate Print 

 5   Number 2321, and ask that said bill retain its 

 6   place on the Third Reading Calendar.

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The 

 8   amendments are received, and the bill shall 

 9   retain its place on third reading.

10                Senator Fuschillo.

11                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Mr. President, 

12   there is a previously adopted resolution by 

13   Senator Marchione, Number 1324, at the desk.  I 

14   ask that it be read in its entirety and then 

15   please recognize Senator Marchione.

16                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Thank 

17   you, Senator Fuschillo.

18                The Secretary will read.

19                THE SECRETARY:   Legislative 

20   Resolution Number 1324, by Senator Marchione, 

21   honoring Rachael Murray upon the occasion of 

22   being selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of 

23   the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Girl of 

24   the Year.  

25                "WHEREAS, It is the sense of this 


                                                               2023

 1   Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to 

 2   those outstanding individuals whose personal 

 3   triumphs and extraordinary spirit and 

 4   determination are an inspiration to others; and 

 5                "WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, 

 6   and in full accord with its long-standing 

 7   traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud 

 8   to honor Rachael Murray upon the occasion of 

 9   being selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of 

10   the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Girl of 

11   the Year; and 

12                "WHEREAS, The individual selected as 

13   the Girl of the Year is chosen by the Leukemia 

14   and Lymphoma Society for her strength and courage  

15   while battling lymphoma; she serves as an example 

16   for thousands of children across the United 

17   States who are winning the war against blood  

18   cancer; and 

19                "WHEREAS, Rachael Murray is a 

20   vibrant, enthusiastic, fun-loving senior at 

21   Tamarac High School.  She enjoys diving, 

22   snowboarding, hanging out with friends,  

23   shopping, music -- especially The Dave Matthews 

24   Band -- and driving her Honda CR-V; and 

25                "WHEREAS, In August of 2012, 


                                                               2024

 1   Rachael Murray was diagnosed with Stage 2A+ 

 2   Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Throughout the many tests, 

 3   treatments and procedures, this extraordinary 

 4   young woman's courage, positive attitude and 

 5   bravery never wavered; and 

 6                "WHEREAS, Rachael Murray faced 

 7   cancer head on and did not let it define her.  

 8   Each day, she is gaining more and more energy and 

 9   stamina, and has been able to return to school, 

10   diving and snowboarding; and 

11                "WHEREAS, Rachael Murray, in her 

12   role as the 2013 Girl of the Year, serves as an 

13   inspiration for local Leukemia and Lymphoma 

14   Society Man and Woman of the Year candidates to 

15   raise awareness and monetary contributions with 

16   the hope to find a cure for all blood cancers; 

17   and 

18                "WHEREAS, Because of her strength 

19   and the sacrifices of her family, the Leukemia 

20   and Lymphoma Society is one step closer to  

21   achieving its goal to find a cure for blood 

22   cancer so that children like Rachael Murray do 

23   not suffer the injustice of blood cancer in years 

24   to come; and 

25                "WHEREAS, It is the custom of this 


                                                               2025

 1   Legislative Body that when individuals of such 

 2   enduring courage and bravery are brought to our 

 3   attention, they should be celebrated and 

 4   recognized by all the citizens of this great 

 5   Empire State; now, therefore, be it 

 6                "RESOLVED, That this Legislative 

 7   Body pause in its deliberations to honor 

 8   Rachael Murray upon the occasion of being 

 9   selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of the 

10   Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Girl of the 

11   year; and be it further 

12                "RESOLVED, That a copy of this 

13   resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 

14   Rachael Murray."

15                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

16   Marchione.

17                SENATOR MARCHIONE:   Mr. President, 

18   my colleagues, I rise to offer my comments on the 

19   legislative resolution before us.  

20                The legislative resolution pays 

21   tribute to Rachael Murray, a senior at Tamarac 

22   High School.  Ms. Murray has the honor of having 

23   been selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of 

24   the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Girl of 

25   the Year.  


                                                               2026

 1                We often hear so much about courage, 

 2   inspiration, perseverance.  Today we honor 

 3   someone whose life truly embodies those words; 

 4   today we honor Rachael Murray.  

 5                It was almost one year ago that 

 6   Ms. Murray was diagnosed with Stage 2A+ Hodgkin's 

 7   Lymphoma.  Despite that, Ms. Murray has always 

 8   maintained her upbeat, positive attitude, and in 

 9   so doing showed us all the true meaning of 

10   character as she's passing one of life's toughest 

11   tests.  

12                Ms. Murray continues to be active, 

13   enjoying many activities, including diving, 

14   snowboarding, and being with friends.  As the 

15   2013 Girl of the Year, Rachael Murray is an 

16   inspiration, a positive role model giving hope, 

17   providing encouragement, and working toward a 

18   cure for blood cancer.  

19                Mr. President and my colleagues, 

20   please join me in extending our very warmest 

21   Senate welcome to an extraordinary young woman we 

22   honor with this legislative resolution today:  

23   Rachael Murray.  

24                Welcome.

25                (Standing ovation.)


                                                               2027

 1                SENATOR MARCHIONE:   Mr. President, 

 2   I would just also like to introduce her parents, 

 3   Bill and Michele Murray, and her brother Ryan.  

 4                Welcome to all of you.  Thank you 

 5   for being here.  

 6                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   We 

 7   welcome all of you and extend the courtesies of 

 8   the house and extend our special recognition and 

 9   our admiration for your courage, Rachael.  God 

10   bless you, and welcome to the Senate.

11                Senator Fuschillo.

12                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Mr. President, 

13   there was a previously adopted resolution by 

14   Senator Breslin, Number 1327, at the desk.  I ask 

15   that it be read in its entirety and then please 

16   recognize Senator Breslin.

17                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The 

18   Secretary will read.

19                THE SECRETARY:   Legislative 

20   Resolution Number 1327, by Senator Breslin, 

21   honoring Dylan Conboy upon the occasion of being       

22   selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of the         

23   Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Boy of the 

24   Year.  

25                "WHEREAS, It is the sense of this 


                                                               2028

 1   Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to 

 2   those outstanding individuals whose personal 

 3   triumphs and extraordinary spirit and 

 4   determination are an inspiration to others; and 

 5                "WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, 

 6   and in full accord with its long-standing 

 7   traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud 

 8   to honor Dylan Conboy upon the occasion of being 

 9   selected as the Upstate New York Chapter of the 

10   Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Boy of the 

11   Year; and 

12                "WHEREAS, The individual selected as 

13   the Boy of the Year is chosen by the Leukemia and 

14   Lymphoma Society for his strength and courage 

15   while battling leukemia.  He serves as an example 

16   for thousands of children across the 

17   United States who are winning the war against 

18   blood cancer; and 

19                "WHEREAS, One day before his third 

20   birthday, Dylan Conboy was diagnosed with 

21   leukemia.  Today, this extraordinary young boy  

22   is approximately two years into a three-year 

23   course of treatment; and 

24                "WHEREAS, Strong, happy and 

25   courageous, Dylan Conboy takes an active role in 


                                                               2029

 1   his treatment.  He regularly 'helps' his nurse 

 2   with her work; and 

 3                "WHEREAS, Dylan Conboy, in his role 

 4   as the 2013 Boy of the Year, serves as an 

 5   inspiration for local Leukemia and Lymphoma 

 6   Society Man and Woman of the Year candidates to 

 7   raise awareness and monetary contributions with 

 8   the hope to find a cure for all blood cancers; 

 9   and 

10                "WHEREAS, Because of his strength 

11   and the sacrifices of his family, the Leukemia 

12   and Lymphoma Society is one step closer to 

13   achieving its goal to find a cure for blood 

14   cancer so that children like Dylan Conboy do not 

15   suffer the injustice of blood cancer in years to 

16   come; and 

17                "WHEREAS, It is the custom of this 

18   Legislative Body that when individuals of such 

19   enduring courage and bravery are brought to our 

20   attention, they should be celebrated and 

21   recognized by all the citizens of this great 

22   Empire State; now, therefore, be it 

23                "RESOLVED, That this Legislative 

24   Body pause in its deliberations to honor 

25   Dylan Conboy upon the occasion of being selected 


                                                               2030

 1   as the Upstate New York Chapter of the Leukemia 

 2   and Lymphoma Society's 2013 Boy of the Year; and 

 3   be it further 

 4                "RESOLVED, That a copy of this  

 5   resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 

 6   Dylan Conboy."

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

 8   Breslin.

 9                SENATOR BRESLIN:   Thank you, 

10   Mr. President.

11                First of all, may I commend 

12   Senator Marchione and the Girl of the Year who 

13   was selected, Rachael Murray, and now to the Boy 

14   of the Year, who lives in my district.  

15                Two years ago, Jacinda Conboy 

16   brought her boy in for a visit to the doctor 

17   because he had an ear infection -- she thought he 

18   had an ear infection.  The doctor was a little 

19   rushed in terms of the seriousness and indicated 

20   that Ms. Conboy should immediately take her son 

21   to the hospital.  It alarmed her when she got to 

22   the hospital; people were waiting for them.  And 

23   they were rushed into a room where treatment was 

24   begun virtually immediately.  

25                That started the long two years of 


                                                               2031

 1   treatment, worry, concern.  And doctors around 

 2   him, treatments on an ongoing basis.  

 3                But the success of the treatments, 

 4   the attitude of Dylan, who assists the nurses in 

 5   the treatment, helps out -- and I had the chance 

 6   to be with Dylan for a little while.  Always 

 7   smiling, as he's smiling over here in the corner 

 8   right now, and we can hear him, with his 

 9   brother.  

10                And he set a terrific example.  The 

11   treatment he's receiving is a three-year 

12   treatment.  He's through two years.  And he's 

13   through two years successfully, with that smile.  

14   He's been a blessing to his parents, parents who 

15   have been very active in this our Albany 

16   community.  

17                And, you know, we take things for 

18   granted.  And sometimes things don't go the way 

19   we want.  But it's what we do with them when they 

20   are before us.  And the Conboy family has 

21   rallied, and I'm sure they would say probably 

22   much closer because of the crisis than before.  

23                But they're on the precipice of 

24   victory.  And I think the Upstate Chapter of the 

25   Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has made a 


                                                               2032

 1   wonderful choice in naming Dylan Conboy as its 

 2   Boy of the Year.  

 3                And Dylan is over there with his 

 4   brother, Brady, and his parents, Jacinda and 

 5   Jim.  And I think that this chamber applauds not 

 6   only Rachael Murray, the Girl of the Year, but 

 7   our own Dylan Conboy.

 8                Thank you, Mr. President.

 9                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Thank 

10   you, Senator Breslin.  

11                (Standing ovation.)

12                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   We 

13   welcome to the Conboy family to the chamber, 

14   extend the courtesies of the house, and send a 

15   special greeting to Dylan, a brave young man.  

16   Good luck, and God bless you 

17                Senator Fuschillo.

18                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Mr. President, 

19   will you open up the two previously adopted 

20   resolutions for cosponsorship.

21                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Both 

22   resolutions which were previously adopted are 

23   open for cosponsorship.  If you choose not to be 

24   a sponsor, please notify the desk.

25                Senator Fuschillo.


                                                               2033

 1                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   May we please 

 2   have the reading of the noncontroversial 

 3   calendar.

 4                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The 

 5   Secretary will read.

 6                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 7   174, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 3802, an 

 8   act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.

 9                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

10   last section.

11                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

12   act shall take effect immediately.

13                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

14   roll.

15                (The Secretary called the roll.)

16                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

17                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

18   is passed.

19                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

20   217, by Senator Zeldin, Senate Print 4000, an act 

21   to amend the General Business Law.

22                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

23   last section.

24                THE SECRETARY:   Section 4.  This 

25   act shall take effect one year after it shall 


                                                               2034

 1   have become law.

 2                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

 3   roll.

 4                (The Secretary called the roll.)

 5                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 58.  Nays, 

 6   1.  Senator Montgomery recorded in the negative.

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 8   is passed.

 9                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

10   260, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 2940, an act 

11   to amend the Penal Law.

12                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

13   last section.

14                THE SECRETARY:   Section 4.  This 

15   act shall take effect on the first of November.

16                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

17   roll.

18                (The Secretary called the roll.)

19                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 58.  Nays, 

20   1.  Senator Montgomery recorded in the negative.

21                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

22   is passed.

23                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

24   281, by Senator Savino, Senate Print 4471, an act 

25   to amend the Workers' Compensation Law.


                                                               2035

 1                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 2   last section.

 3                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 4   act shall take effect immediately.

 5                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

 6   roll.

 7                (The Secretary called the roll.)

 8                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 58.  Nays, 

 9   1.  Senator Gallivan recorded in the negative.

10                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

11   is passed.

12                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

13   321, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 2405, an 

14   act to amend the Education Law.

15                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

16   last section.

17                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

18   act shall take effect immediately.

19                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

20   roll.

21                (The Secretary called the roll.)

22                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

23                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

24   is passed.

25                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 


                                                               2036

 1   335, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 1888, an 

 2   act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

 3                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 4   last section.

 5                THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

 6   act shall take effect immediately.

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

 8   roll.

 9                (The Secretary called the roll.)

10                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

11                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

12   is passed.

13                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

14   343, by Senator Fuschillo, Senate Print 4246, an 

15   act to amend subdivision 19 of Section 246 of 

16   Chapter 81 of the Laws of 1995.

17                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

18   last section.

19                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

20   act shall take effect immediately.

21                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

22   roll.

23                (The Secretary called the roll.)

24                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

25                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 


                                                               2037

 1   is passed.

 2                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 3   354, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 2891, an act 

 4   to amend the Insurance Law.

 5                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 6   last section.

 7                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 8   act shall take effect on the 90th day.

 9                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

10   roll.

11                (The Secretary called the roll.)

12                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

13                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

14   is passed.

15                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

16   355, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 2894, an act 

17   to amend the Insurance Law.

18                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

19   last section.

20                THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

21   act shall take effect immediately.

22                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

23   roll.

24                (The Secretary called the roll.)

25                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.


                                                               2038

 1                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 2   is passed.

 3                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 4   365, by Senator Zeldin, Senate Print 1685, an act 

 5   to amend the Election Law.

 6                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 7   last section.

 8                THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

 9   act shall take effect on the 120th day.

10                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

11   roll.

12                (The Secretary called the roll.)

13                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

14                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

15   is passed.

16                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

17   377, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 2941, an act 

18   to amend the Penal Law.

19                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

20   last section.

21                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

22   act shall take effect on the first of November.

23                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

24   roll.

25                (The Secretary called the roll.)


                                                               2039

 1                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

 2                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 3   is passed.

 4                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 5   378, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 4486, an 

 6   act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 8   last section.

 9                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

10   act shall take effect immediately.

11                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

12   roll.

13                (The Secretary called the roll.)

14                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 59.

15                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

16   is passed.

17                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

18   379, by Senator Fuschillo, Senate Print 741, an 

19   act to amend the Penal Law.

20                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

21   last section.

22                THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

23   act shall take effect on the first of November.

24                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

25   roll.


                                                               2040

 1                (The Secretary called the roll.)

 2                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 57.  Nays, 

 3   2.  Senators Montgomery and Parker recorded in 

 4   the negative.

 5                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 6   is passed.

 7                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 8   391, by Senator Young, Senate Print 3710C, an act 

 9   to amend the Penal Law.

10                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

11   last section.

12                THE SECRETARY:   Section 50.  This 

13   act shall take effect on the 90th day.

14                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

15   roll.

16                (The Secretary called the roll.)

17                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

18   Young to explain her vote.

19                SENATOR YOUNG:   Thank you, 

20   Mr. President.  To explain my vote.

21                I appreciate the support of all my 

22   colleagues.  And ever since I was elected to 

23   state office in 1999, I've devoted a lot of my 

24   public service to helping victims.  And that's 

25   what this bill does.  This is a women's issue, 


                                                               2041

 1   and not only that, it protects women and 

 2   children.

 3                In 1999, Penny Brown of Salamanca 

 4   was brutally raped and murdered in my district.  

 5   And as a result, we were able to eventually pass 

 6   Penny's Law.  

 7                The current piece of legislation 

 8   before us actually makes some significant changes 

 9   to sexual assault laws in New York State.  It's 

10   heavily supported by the New York State 

11   Association of District Attorneys, the Downstate 

12   Coalition for Crime Victims.  

13                And it's based on the terrible case 

14   of Lydia Cuomo, who was brutally sexually 

15   assaulted in 2011 in Senator Espaillat's 

16   district.  He's asked me to cosponsor the bill; I 

17   gladly have him on board.  And I want to thank 

18   you, Senator, for that.

19                Lydia Cuomo has put forward a push 

20   to rename several of the sexual assault acts so 

21   that they reflect the word "rape" in them.  This 

22   is what this bill does.  

23                And not only that, it also 

24   strengthens the rape laws in New York State.  The 

25   previous standard has been for vaginal rape to be 


                                                               2042

 1   penetration.  This actually loosens the 

 2   definition to include contact.  That would have 

 3   been very significant in Lydia Cuomo's case, but 

 4   also it's very significant for all of the rape 

 5   cases in New York State, because it will make it 

 6   easier to obtain a conviction.  

 7                And prosecutors have told me that 

 8   this standard especially is helpful in 

 9   prosecuting child rapists, because the whole 

10   notion of penetration is very difficult for 

11   children to understand, but they understand touch 

12   and they understand contact.

13                So you are helping so many children 

14   and women across the state.  There recently was a 

15   survey, in 2011; it's estimated that 2 million 

16   women have been raped in New York State.  Think 

17   about that.  That is very, very disturbing.

18                So this bill tackles those very, 

19   very serious issues.  Again, I want to thank all 

20   of my colleagues.  I vote yes, and I urge 

21   everyone to vote yes also.

22                Thank you, Mr. President.

23                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

24   Young to be recorded in the affirmative.

25                Senator Espaillat to explain his 


                                                               2043

 1   vote.

 2                SENATOR ESPAILLAT:   Thank you, 

 3   Mr. President.

 4                I am happy to join Senator Young in 

 5   this endeavor.  And this particular bill does 

 6   codify a form of rape that is rampant and 

 7   pervasive and has not been codified in this form 

 8   before in the State of New York.  

 9                And it is supported by many of our 

10   district attorneys, including New York County 

11   District Attorney Cy Vance and others.

12                This is an excellent bill.  The 

13   victim, who likes not to be defined by this 

14   act -- and, you know, in a recent interview, 

15   Lydia Cuomo said that she will not allow this 

16   incident to define her life.  Well, more so, the 

17   efforts on her part to change the future is 

18   really what she would like to have define her 

19   life.  

20                And she was here several months ago, 

21   and we were happy to have her here.  She's very 

22   courageous.  She came forward.  The perpetrator 

23   was an off-duty police officer.  This was a 

24   heinous crime that happened just right across 

25   from my house.  


                                                               2044

 1                And so I am happy to join 

 2   Senator Young in making sure that this bill 

 3   becomes law.

 4                Thank you, Mr. President.

 5                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

 6   Espaillat to be recorded in the affirmative.

 7                Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson to 

 8   explain her vote.

 9                SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:   Thank 

10   you, Mr. President.  I rise to lend my support to 

11   this bill as well.  

12                In the past, other versions of this 

13   bill have come forward, and I was very hesitant.  

14   And I know that people have asked why, as the 

15   person who has chaired the Task Force on Domestic 

16   Violence and has brought bills to this floor 

17   around rape and assault.  

18                But I think that one of the things 

19   that law must be is clear.  And so that I think 

20   that in working on this bill more, you have 

21   brought clarity and a fuller explanation than 

22   perhaps we had before.  And I thank you for your 

23   diligence in staying with it and bringing a bill 

24   to the floor that all of us can support.

25                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 


                                                               2045

 1   Ruth Hassell-Thompson to be recorded in the 

 2   affirmative.

 3                Senator Nozzolio to explain his 

 4   vote.

 5                SENATOR NOZZOLIO:   Thank you, 

 6   Mr. President.  

 7                Mr. President, I rise in support of 

 8   this legislation and urge my colleagues to 

 9   support this effort.  

10                Senator Young should be 

11   congratulated for taking the lead on ensuring 

12   that the victims of this heinous crime will be 

13   punished appropriately.

14                This measure clearly ensures that 

15   those who commit violence are going to be dealt 

16   with in a very serious manner, that the 

17   sentencing structure of this state will ensure 

18   the maximum penalties are provided to those who 

19   commit such heinous activity.

20                The District Attorneys Association, 

21   as well as a number of crime victims' rights 

22   groups, including the Downstate Coalition for 

23   Crime Victims, firmly this legislation, strongly 

24   encourage the Legislation to enact this measure, 

25   and in their advocacy to protect victims of 


                                                               2046

 1   violence, ensure that those who perpetrate this 

 2   type of violence will be sent to prison and will 

 3   be kept in prison for a very long period of time.

 4                Any efforts to dilute the 

 5   consecutive sentencing approach that the district 

 6   attorneys need to have as a utilization in 

 7   prosecuting these cases, any dilution of that 

 8   ability to prosecute, to ensure consecutive 

 9   sentencing, will be a very sad but clear signal 

10   to crime victims that they will not get the 

11   protection of our laws.

12                On the other hand, Senator Young's 

13   bill does just the opposite:  ensure that the 

14   protection of victims, the consideration of 

15   victims, the respect for our crime victims will 

16   be ensured and stabilized by the legislation that 

17   we are going to enact today.

18                Mr. President and my colleagues, I 

19   support the measure.

20                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Senator 

21   Nozzolio to be recorded in the affirmative.

22                The Secretary will announce the 

23   results.

24                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 57.  Nays, 

25   2.  Senators Montgomery and Parker recorded in 


                                                               2047

 1   the negative.

 2                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 3   is passed.

 4                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 5   396, by Senator Maziarz, Senate Print 1073, an 

 6   act to amend the Correction Law.

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

 8   last section.

 9                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

10   act shall take effect immediately.

11                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

12   roll.

13                (The Secretary called the roll.)

14                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Announce 

15   the results.

16                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 56.  Nays, 

17   3.  Senators Montgomery, Parker and Perkins 

18   recorded in the negative.

19                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

20   is passed.

21                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

22   397, by Senator Skelos, Senate Print 1390, an act 

23   to amend the Correction Law.

24                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

25   last section.


                                                               2048

 1                THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 2   act shall take effect on the 30th day.  

 3                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

 4   roll.

 5                (The Secretary called the roll.)

 6                THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

 7   Calendar Number 397, those recorded in the 

 8   negative are Senators Hassell-Thompson, 

 9   Montgomery, Parker, Perkins and Rivera.

10                Ayes, 54.  Nays, 5.

11                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

12   is passed.

13                THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

14   398, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 1764, an 

15   act to amend the Correction Law.

16                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Read the 

17   last section.

18                THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

19   act shall take effect on the first of July.

20                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   Call the 

21   roll.

22                (The Secretary called the roll.)

23                THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 57.  Nays, 

24   2.  Senators Hassell-Thompson and Montgomery 

25   recorded in the negative.


                                                               2049

 1                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   The bill 

 2   is passed.

 3                Senator Fuschillo, that completes 

 4   the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.

 5                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   Mr. President, 

 6   is there any further business at the desk?  

 7                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   There is 

 8   no further business before the desk, 

 9   Senator Fuschillo. 

10                SENATOR FUSCHILLO:   There being no 

11   further business, I move that we adjourn until 

12   Tuesday, April 30th, at 3:00 p.m.

13                ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:   On 

14   motion, the Senate stands adjourned until 

15   Tuesday, April 30th, at 3:00 p.m. 

16                Senate adjourned.

17                (Whereupon, at 3:50 p.m., the Senate 

18   adjourned.)

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