State of New York | Executive Chamber
David A. Paterson | Governor

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2009
Contact: Marissa Shorenstein | marissa.shorenstein@chamber.state.ny.us | 518.474.8418 | 212.681.4640

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS EIGHT BILLS INTO LAW, FOCUSING ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY, TENANTS’ RIGHTS

Vetoes Two Bills Representing More than $1 Million in Savings
Governor David A. Paterson today signed eight bills that will improve children’s health and safety; increase pregnant women’s access to quality health care; enhance tenants’ rights; and increase penalties for unlawfully soliciting a cab at an airport.

Additionally, the Governor vetoed two bills that would have cost taxpayers more than $1 million dollars.

The signed bills include A.5080 / S.6091 – often referred to as “Nixzmary’s Law” – which amends the murder statute to add a new subsection addressing the murder of a child less than 14 in an “especially cruel and wanton manner” and authorizing a sentence of life without parole. Nixzmary Brown was seven years old when her mother and stepfather kept her tied to a chair in a “punishment room” over several days and then beat her to death. Now, individuals who commit such heinous acts may be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“Signing Nixzmary’s Law cannot bring back the life of a young girl, but it does send a message that such abuse of children will not go unpunished,” Governor Paterson said. “It is my sincere hope that a law such as this and continued vigilance by our law enforcement officials will help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

Governor Paterson also signed a bill that modernizes the way in which low-income women who are pregnant access health care facilities. The bill, A.8397-A / S.3257-A and proposed by the New York State Department of Health, will ensure that all low-income pregnant women, even those whose income is too high to qualify them for Medicaid, can access comprehensive prenatal care – and at no additional cost to the State.

“It is my continued priority that the people of the State of New York have access to quality, affordable health care, no matter their age, income level or background,” Governor Paterson said. “I am proud to sign a bill that ensures better care for those who are pregnant and continues our New York’s commitment to preventing problems associated with pregnancy, such as low birth weights, and the effect of diabetes on prenatal care.”

Additionally, Governor Paterson signed a law, A.4552-A / S.5643, that increases the penalty against unlicensed individuals from soliciting taxicab and car service and limo service rides from individuals arriving at New York airports and another (A.2002 / S.2493) that strengthens the penalties against landlords who harass tenants in order to obtain vacancy notices from them. The tenants’ rights bill represents the first strengthening of rent law penalties in 35 years.

The complete list of bills signed by the Governor includes:

• A.999-B / S.4962-B: Requiring lethal injection as the only means by which an animal must be euthanized (except top prevent imminent serious injury).
• A.4552-A / S.5643: Elevating the unlawful solicitation of ground transportation at an airport to a B misdemeanor and increase the penalty for such crime to a fine of between $500 and $1,250 and/or a 90-day jail term.
• A.5080 / S.6091: Amends the aggravated murder statute to add a new subsection addressing the murder of a child less than 14 in an “especially cruel and wanton manner” and authorizing a sentence of life without parole. Often referred to as “Nixzmary’s Law.”
• A.6633-A / S.3141-A: A technical change to the Children’s Product Safety and Recall Law to conform to subsequently enacted federal legislation relating to children’s product safety.
• A.8397-A / S.3257-A: Requires the State Commissioner of Health to develop and periodically update standards for the provision of prenatal care under the Medicaid program. Originally proposed by the Department of Health.
• A.8971/ S.5908-A: Authorizes the Office of General Services to remove the existing deed restriction on a 147-acre parcel of land sold to the Town of Lansing in Tompkins County.
• A.2002 / S.2493: Increases penalties for owners who harass their tenants in order to obtain vacancy of their housing accommodations or violate an order of the Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
• A.8781 / S.6071: Adds the word “anus” to various sections of the Penal Law so that the aggravated sexual abuse statutes cover any insertion into either the “rectum” or “anus” of a victim.

The complete list of bills vetoed by Governor Paterson includes:

• A.4277 / S.1329: Would have required the Department of Economic Development in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to print and distribute statewide and regional guides to farms, farmers and other agriculturally significant tourist destinations.
• A.8461-C / S.5802-A: Would have established a process by which the Department of Health would have to provide an additional level of public input on the local impact of a hospital closure.

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New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418