Cuomo Signs into Law Three Public Safety Bills Authored by Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo

Bill protecting victims of domestic violence, preventing underage drinking and increasing disaster preparedness are now law thanks to ongoing work of Assemblyman Crespo

August 2, 2013

Albany, New York – Three initiatives spearheaded by Bronx Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo will have statewide impact on improving public safety now that Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed them into law. The bills are part of over a dozen bills authored by Assemblyman Crespo which passed the Assembly and Senate this year.

“Improving the safety of all our residents is a top priority for me,” stated Crespo. “Every measure of precaution that we take to ensure the safety of our families and children is a sign of progress in the work we have been entrusted to do as elected officials. I commend Governor Cuomo for enacting my legislation into law and look forward to working with the Governor to continue the work needed to ensure that all our communities are safe from a variety of threats to our public safety.”

One of the bills approved by the Governor builds on the Crespo's proposal to strengthen the State’s capacity to keep vital health and safety infrastructure protected during emergencies and dangerous weather. Assembly Bill 7049 includes not-for profit organizations that assist in disaster relief and recovery in priority list for entities that can benefit from being on a microgrid. Earlier this year, Crespo’s proposal to have backup power infrastructure developed to protect hospitals, nursing homes, first responder headquarters, and water and sewage treatment facilities during a major disaster was adopted in the State budget. This additional measure includes organizations like the Red Cross and others that serve in recovery and relief operations in the list of organizations to be considered for inclusion into a redundant power grid system that will prevent power loss and interruption of vital services during emergencies.

"Improving protections to victims of domestic violence is essential. Financial hardships during the State's and nation's economic downturn have increased the rates of violence against women and children, stated Crespo. “My measure will clarify the law and allow victims of domestic violence to ensure their safety by requiring phone service companies to provide new phone numbers at no cost to the victims.” Assembly Bill 6381A provides new telephone numbers without charge for certain victims of domestic violence. The bill increases the safety of domestic violence victims who have orders or protection against the abuser by preventing the abuser from further victimization. This is often the case when abusers use existing phone numbers to contact and intimidate their victims. “I encourage our State’s child protection services and family services to aggressively inform families of this option that will help keep them safe,” declared Crespo.

Also signed into law on Tuesday is a measure that is focused on reducing the rate of underage alcohol consumption in communities across New York. “It’s well understood by our health care community that the majority of adult alcohol abuse can be traced to drinking at a very young age. Any measures we take to prevent underage drinking are essential in reducing alcohol related violence and driving while impaired by alcohol," stated Crespo. “This legislation, which passed the Senate under the leadership of Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein, is targeted at preventing and dissuading our youth from underage drinking. It is a needed tool to keep our communities and families safe.” Assembly Bill 2530 stiffens and modernizes the penalties for minors who purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. It also creates parity between New York and neighboring states in how these offenses are handled, but retains judicial discretion and flexibility. Community service penalties increase from 30 to 90 hours depending on the offense as effort to dissuade underage drinkers from such behavior.

“These public policy measures are important and needed. I thank Governor Cuomo for his support and thank my Senate colleagues who helped navigate these issues through the New York State Senate; including Senators Jeffrey Klein, Kevin Parker and Andrew Lanza,” added Crespo. "I will continue to work with all of them on measures to increase public safety and other issues impacting the wellbeing of our communities and families.”

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