A2063-B, sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, D-Manhattan, "provides limitations on use of evidence obtained in connection with a person seeking or receiving health care for a drug overdose." The idea, Gottfried said on the floor, is that you don't want to encourage drug users to flee the scene of an overdose for fear of prosecution. So would this protect drug dealers? asked GOP Assemblyman Tony Jordan. It might, Gottfried replied, although most overdoses don't take place at a dealer's HQ. Gottfried also noted that the bill's Senate version is co-sponsored by Marty Golden, a Republican conservative ex-cop. He's right about that, and the prime sponsor in that house is another Republican, John DeFrancisco. The bill passed the Assembly this afternoon, I think by 78-50.
Also this afternoon, the Assembly passed A1121-B, which aims "to prevent housing discrimination based upon the source of income of individuals," and is justified because now "landlords often reject tenants with rental subsidies, such as Section 8." A Republican opponent said in passing that the bill was vetoed last year, when David paterson was governor.
Comments