Assembly Action Highlights
The Week Of April 28, - May 2, 2008

Dan Weiller, Press Secretary

Assembly Approves DNA Expansion and Reform Legislation

The Assembly passed a bill (A.8693) that would expand the state's criminal DNA database by including DNA samples from individuals convicted of crimes.

"This bill would enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system's use of DNA, which when used appropriately, can identify those who committed the crime and those who are innocent. This measure put into place processing protocols for DNA evidence that will strengthen the integrity of the state's DNA data base," said Silver.

The legislation would establish statewide standards for the preservation and cataloguing of DNA evidence to ensure that critical evidence is available. The measure sets forth formal procedures by which a person who may be innocent of a crime may obtain a comparison between his or her DNA profile, and DNA evidence obtained at the scene of the crime.

The bill also removes unnecessary procedural barriers that, in several cases, have barred wrongly convicted persons from seeking compensation in the Court of Claims after their exoneration. The bill was delivered to the Senate.

Assembly Passes Bill to Prevent Victims of Domestic Violence From Being Discriminated

The Assembly approved a bill (A.1222) to protect victims of domestic violence or stalking from being discriminated in the workplace.

To ensure that these victims are able to continue their careers and financially provide for themselves and their families, this legislation would prohibit employers from implementing hiring practices and other employment policies that are discriminatory. The measure addresses the need of these victims to take time-off or have flexible hours in order to resolve legal and personal matters as they take the steps necessary to rebuild their lives. The bill was delivered to the Senate.

Assembly Holds Hearing On Tap Water Scalding Prevention

The Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations and the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection and the Subcommittee on Child Product Safety held a public hearing in Albany to examine what steps can be taken to protect New Yorkers from tap water scalding. The forum took testimony on the reported 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths that occur annually in the home because of excessively hot tap water. The committees focused on scolding prevention measures, including laws in other states that limited the maximum water temperature of new home water heaters to 120° F.