PRESS RELEASES

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Paulin's Bills Regarding Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Underage Drinking and Benefits for Veterans Pass Assembly on Last Day of Session

The New York State Assembly passed four major pieces of legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin on June 22, which was the last day of the 2009 legislative session for the Assembly. The legislation deals with sexual assault, domestic violence, underage drinking and benefits for veterans.

More specifically, Paulin’s recently passed bills will:

Make the aggravated sexual abuse statutes consistent with the criminal sexual act statutes. This will eliminate the need for traumatized child victims to testify in excruciating detail about the graphic nature of their assaults (A8781).
Establish that criminal orders of protection begin at sentencing, ensuring that victims are aware how long they will be protected under an order of protection (A8807).
Reduce underage drinking by encouraging those who sell alcoholic beverages to attend alcohol training awareness programs which have proven to be effective at decreasing incidences of serving alcohol to minors (A8645A).
Increase property tax exemptions for Cold War veterans who stood at the ready when combat seemed imminent, bringing their exemptions in line with those offered to other veterans (A7422).

“The last day of session ran late into the night, but I am very glad the hard work paid off and we were able to get these important bills passed,” said Paulin. “It is unfortunate that the power struggle has kept the Senate from voting on this legislation, but the progress we made this session in getting these bills through the Assembly is very promising and I hope to see them signed into law when the situation in the Senate is resolved ” Paulin concluded.