Creates the governor's advisory council on bias-related violence

5 Co-sponsors

• Thomas K. Duane
• Craig M. Johnson
• Kevin S. Parker
• Diane J. Savino
• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the creation of the council on bias-related violence

Purpose

This bill establishes a Governor's Advisory Council on Bias-Related Violence.

Summary of provisions

This bill would authorize the creation of a council consisting of twenty members, representative of groups who have historically been the targets of bias-related violence and members of the clergy, to be appointed by the Governor. Each member will serve a term of two years. The Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights shall be ex-officio members.

The Council will have the following powers and duties: To receive and study incidents of bias-related violence, to analyze the responses to incidents of bias-related violence by governmental officials including law enforcement officials; and make recommendations to improve existing criminal and civil laws in redressing bias-related violence.

Justification

Due to the alarming increase in New York State of acts of violence and intimidation against members of racial, ethnic and religious groups, there is a need to create a body to monitor this type of violence.

Fiscal implications

Estimated appropriation - $200,000.

Legislative history

2007-08: S.2928 -- Referred to Finance 2005-06: S.957 -- Referred to Finance 2003-04: S.2119 -- Referred to Finance 2001-02: S.1567/A.2541 -- Referred to Finance

Effective date

Immediately.