COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MINUTES: APRIL 4, 2005
MEMBERS: CHAIR: Richard Wishnie, Michael Kaplowitz, Bernice Spreckman
IN ATTENDANCE: C.E.: Bill Randolph; Kevin Ryan, LAW: Linda Trentacoste; OFFICE FOR WOMEN: Camille Murphy; HUMAN RIGHTS: Alison Greene; IAFF 628: Louis Bousche: WESTCHESTER COALITION OF PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS: Hugh Fox, Jr., NYS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 5TH DISTRICT: William Malone, WESTCHESTER PUTNAM CENTRAL LABOR BODY RYE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS: Harold E. Aken III; PURCHASE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WESTCHESTER COUNTY CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION: Albert Mignone, LEGISLATOR: Vito Pinto; STAFF: Sally Schecter, Betsy DeSoye
The meeting was called to order at 9:10 by Chairman Richard Wishnie.
Chairman Wishnie explained that the committee was going to discuss A78 which pertains to discriminatory housing practices and that Camille Murphy from the Office for Women and Alison Greene from the Human Rights Commission would give the committee an overview and the reasons for the legislation. This legislation was referred to two committees – Public Safety and Legislation and that Legislation would take the lead on it.
Alison Greene explained that this legislation would amend the Human Rights law, section 24 of the definitions. It limits what is considered domestic violence.
There was concern from the committee regarding this legislation. Chair Wishnie wanted to know if someone is raped does she have to come forward and tell her boss. Legislator Kaplowitz wanted to know if an incident occurs and a victim is fired or put out of her house, is it because of someone’s knowledge about the incident. Legislator Rogowsky wanted to know if the Human Rights Commission would be expanding its jurisdiction.
Ms. Green and Ms. Murphy were able to answer some of their questions but the members felt that this needed to be looked into further and that some changes need to be made. Chairman Wishnie spoke for the committee in saying that conceptually they were in favor of this legislation and they will pursue this further when they meet jointly with legislation.
On the motion of Legislation Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
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