JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION/HEALTH
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Abinanti, Bronz, Maisano, Mosiello, Oros and Ryan
STAFF: Bass, Giordano
MEMBERS: Abinanti, Chair, Carsky, Stewart-Cousins,
GUESTS: William Randolph (CE); Capt. M. McGlynn (West. Co. Police Dept.), Liz Salvi, (Law ), Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz (Law ), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Thomas Gardiner (Law), Lawrence Schwartz (CEO), Joshua Lipsman (Health Dept.) Michael Kaplowitz (BOL)
The Chair, Andrea-Stewart Cousins called the meeting to order at: 1:35 p.m.
The Public Safety Committee had recessed in order to clarify an issue regarding the definition “access line” used in the Cell Phone legislation. The question was whether every phone, including a cellular phone has an access line.
The Chair asked The County Attorneys’ office to check on the definition of “access line.” Ms. Indelicato stated that in her research, of the County Law Enhanced Emergency Telephone Systems Surcharge it states that a cellular telephone is “a cellular or mobile radio telephone or other radio telephone not requiring an access line for service.” It was concluded that no access line is the norm and the legislation as written was appropriate.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – MARCH 26, 2001
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With a quorum present from the Public Safety Committee, a motion was made by Kaplowitz that they move the following legislation 59802 Sub 1, and that the language which was considered this morning and the addition and the deleted language of Sub 2 is approved: The motion was seconded by: Mosiello, It was voted unanimously.
Prohibition of Painted Firearms:
This legislation would prevent a person from painting a real firearm to look like a toy gun. Also, it would prevent toy manufacturers from making toy guns to look like real guns and have a real distinction between the two.
The Co. Attorney’s office was asked for legislation to make it illegal to have a weapon painted to look like a toy. The current law makes it illegal to paint toy guns to look like a real gun. Marty McGlynn from Public Safety said that some guns may be hand painted for commemorative purposes and the Police Academy also paints their guns so that they are marked for training purposes. After much discussion on the colors of guns, it was requested that something be drafted to specifically state what colors real guns and toy guns should be painted. It was agreed that an exemption is needed for the Police Academies and for training. Therefore, it was asked of the Co. Atty’s office to draft a version of legislation, with appropriate exemptions, banning the painting and/or possession of a weapon that is painted in any color other than the same colors we identify for toy guns.
Revisions were made on March 16, March 23 and March 26, 2001, Versions 1 & 2. Laws were compared to New York State Laws. Both versions were amended by The Co Atty’s office to reflect § 525.2041 to say that in order for someone to be guilty of buying cigarettes for a minor, they would have to knowingly and intentionally purchase tobacco products for a person under the age of 18.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – MARCH 26, 2001
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It was agreed that we strike the part of the law that would penalize a person for handing a cigarette to a minor. Instead the legislators decided that the County legislation should mirror the State version, which deals, exclusively, with the sale of tobacco products to a minor. The committee agreed that the main purpose was to make sure that adults are not intentionally buying cigarettes for minors.
Abinanti made a motion to sign out the tobacco legislation for a public hearing. It was seconded by Bronz and it was voted unanimously.
Carsky made a motion to adjourn the Health Committee Portion of the meeting and Abinanti seconded the motion. All in favor: 3-0.
Minutes for Feb. 26th were read and approved by Bronz and seconded by Abinanti.
On a motion by Bronz and seconded by Abinanti, The Legislation/Health Committee meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
Bronz made a motion to adjourn the Legislation Committee meeting. It was seconded by Abinanti. All in favor 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.