Craig Johnson

Legislation sponsored by Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau) that will protect disabled New York state residents from discrimination was signed into law last week.

"This state, and Port Washington in particular, has a rich history of defending the civil rights of its residents," Senator Johnson said. "We are the home to the Helen Keller National Center and have been at the forefront of promoting equality and fairness for all out our residents. I am proud to have helped enact a law that follows this tradition and ensures that we protect those who may not be able to protect themselves."

Senate Passes Bill to Mandate Life Without Parole for Child Killers

The Senate Democratic Majority recently passed critical legislation that would have those responsible for the intentional death of a child subject to the strictest possible punishment under the law, Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), announced.

The Child Protection Act of 2010 (S7705) establishes the class A-I felony of aggravated murder of a child. The penalty for this crime would be life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Aggravated Murder of a Child includes:

By JAMES T. MADORE james.madore@newsday.com

ALBANY - The State Senate has given final passage to a bill requiring public schools to combat bullying through increased awareness among students and teachers.

The bill, adopted 58-3 late Tuesday, requires school districts to include bullying in anti-discrimination policies and student codes of conduct, if they haven't already done so. It defines what bullying is and the groups commonly affected.

The measure calls for teacher and staff training. Bullying also would be included in tolerance initiatives.

June 9, 2010 by JAMES T. MADORE / james.madore@newsday.com
ALBANY - The State Senate Wednesday unanimously passed a bill to expand autism treatments paid for by health insurers and extend coverage throughout the patient's life.

The bill, which is expected to pass the Assembly next week, seeks to close gaps in coverage that have resulted in hardship for patients and their families. It also encourages early diagnosis and use of approved treatments.