Senate Passes “Joanne’s Law” to Protect Employees in the Workplace

(Albany, NY)- Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) is pleased to announce that the New York State Senate passed his bill, S.1677. The bill, also known as “Joanne’s Law”, would require employers and workplaces to be notified if a former employee with a criminal record in that workplace is released from prison or violates parole. In 2005 an incident occurred where an employee who had been fired from his job and later sentenced to 10 years’ probation returned to the office of his former employer and shot three of his managers. One of the victims was Joanne O’Brien of Greenwood Lake, who later died of her injuries.

 “This terrible tragedy could have been prevented had simple protections been in place,” said Senator Bonacic. “Joanne’s Law would provide the needed protections and help ensure a safer workplace for all employees in New York State.”

 The Bill will now be sent to the Assembly.

###