Senator Larkin Highlights Weekly Actions In Albany

Senator Larkin Supports Repeal of SAFE Act for Upstate New York

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39th District) this week announced his support for SAFE Act repeal legislation.

The bill, which Senator Larkin also cosponsored, would repeal provisions of the SAFE Act for upstate New York, and leave the SAFE Act unchanged for New York City.

“In the past we have crafted laws that make important distinctions between the needs of upstate and downstate,” said Senator Larkin. “The SAFE Act shouldn’t be any different.” 

Specifically, the measure would repeal the following SAFE Act provisions for upstate New York: the five-year recertification requirement for pistol permits, the ammunition database, the statewide License and the Record Database, and the restrictions on transferring firearms to family members. The bill would also restore the pre-SAFE Act definition of assault weapon.

Increased penalties for illegal gun use and killing a first responder would continue to be in effect for the entire state.

“On behalf of our over 1300 members we applaud Senator Larkin for continuing to defend our second amendment rights,” said Tom Moriarty, President of the Black Rock Fish and Game Club and a retired NYC police officer. “We have enough laws on the books to put away criminals, we don’t need any more laws like the SAFE Act that turn law abiding citizens into criminals.”

Senator Larkin Supports Two Bills to Crack Down on Cyber Attacks

“This week the Senate passed two pieces of legislation to help crack down on cyber-attacks and increase penalties for supporting acts of terrorism,” said Senator Larkin.  “In this new day and age we must continue to adapt to the threats we face.”

The first bill (S953) would create a new crime for when a person intends to cause widespread financial harm or commits a larceny offense against more than 10 people using computer technology. It also prohibits the use of cyberterrorism to cause mass injury or damage, or to intimidate, coerce, or influence a civilian population or government. 

The second bill (S956) would increase criminal penalties for soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism. Such a crime occurs when a person plans, prepares, carries out or aids in an act of terrorism; conceals, or escapes from an act of terrorism; or raises, solicits, collects, or provides material support or resources for terrorism. This measure specifically targets money laundering and credit card fraud, which are large sources of funding for terrorist organizations. 

“New Yorkers live every day with the knowledge that we are a primary target for terrorism, including computer-based terrorism,” continued Senator Larkin.  “They should be equally confident in our capacity to overcome these challenges, and these bills aim to do just that.”


Senator Larkin Supports Legislation to Increase Enforcement of  Drug Trafficking and Dealers Who Target Children

This week the New York State Senate passed two drug prevention bills to help fight the spread of heroin and opioid use in New York by strengthening enforcement of major drug traffickers and those who sell drugs in parks and playgrounds.

“These bills will enhance our State’s ability to prosecute major drug operations and those who sell drugs at parks and playgrounds,” said Senator Larkin.  “We must always seek to protect those areas where our children play.  Our children and parents deserve more peace of mind.”

Bill (S301) strengthens existing laws to increase successful prosecutions of major drug traffickers in New York. This measure would reflect the nature of criminal enterprises by: changing the number of persons needing to be involved and charged as part of a drug organization from four to three; lowering the minimum required proceeds from the sale of controlled substances during a 12-month period from $75,000 to $25,000 to reflect the low street prices of heroin; and increasing law enforcement’s ability to charge lower-level participants in drug trafficking.

In addition, the Senate passed legislation that aims to protect children in parks and playgrounds from drug dealers. The bill (S814A) expands upon current New York State law, which includes increased penalties for people who sell drugs on school grounds or daycare centers, to include parks and playgrounds that may not be attached to schools. The measure would help law enforcement prosecute drug dealers who use parks and playgrounds in an effort to target children.

Both measures were among the recommendations from a report released last year by the Senate’s Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction that detailed measures to provide greater resources to law enforcement to aid in combating this crisis, as well as improve prevention efforts, increase access to treatment, and expand recovery options.

These bills have been sent to the Assembly.

This week Senator Larkin honored the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding service and accomplishments to their community:

J. 707 - Congratulating Brenda Sanchez upon the occasion of winning a gold medal at the Hudson Valley Winter Erg Sprints
 J. 708 - Congratulating Michael LoBiondo upon the occasion of winning a gold medal at the Hudson Valley Winter Erg Sprints
 J. 709 - Honoring Commissioner Bill Murray upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to the Chester Fire District
 J. 751 - Honoring Daniel Carrazzone upon the occasion of his designation as 2016 Probationary Firefighter of the Year by the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 752 - Honoring Donna Corkery upon the occasion of her designation as 2016 Firefighter of the Year by the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 753 - Honoring Kenneth Canfield, Jr. after 25 years of dedicated service to the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 754 - Honoring Greg Johnston after 20 years of dedicated service to the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 770 - Honoring Focused Wealth Management upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Corporate Bell Award
 J. 832 - Honoring Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Silver Bell Award
 J. 834 - Honoring Robert Kanbbe after 30 years of dedicated service to the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 835 - Honoring William Evans, Jr. after 25 years of dedicated service to the Middle Hope Fire Company, Inc.
 J. 837 - Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of 88 Charles Street Cafe