N.Y. Gov. Hochul signs new cell phone theft bill sponsored by Sen. Scarcella-Spanton
Originally published in
Staten Island Advance
on
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a new law sponsored by Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23/Southern Brooklyn) to combat cell phone theft.
Sen. Scarcella-Spanton was a main sponsor of Legislation S7739B/A8994A. The bill, also known as “Detective Brian Simonsen’s Law,” aims to crack down on cell phone theft by requiring wireless service providers to disable services to stolen phones.
“Detective Brian Simonsen’s Law is named in honor of Detective Brian Simonsen, who tragically lost his life while responding to an armed robbery call at a cell phone store in Queens. The NYPD puts their lives at risk every day to protect and serve our community. Unfortunately, our officers too often make the ultimate sacrifice, as criminals repeatedly endanger people for financial gain, whether by targeting innocent retail workers or individuals on the street,” said Sen. Scarcella-Spanton.
“I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to better regulate the resale of stolen goods and help prevent further tragedies caused by criminals profiting from illegal activities. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing my bill into law and to Paul Digiacomo, Scott Munro, and the DEA for their advocacy.”
