Committee on Legislation

Minutes of March 26, 1996

Members: Abinanti, Albanese, Noto, Mosiello, Delfino.

Staff: Sandford, Dan Eichorn and John Parker (BOL Interns),

Barbara Fratiani & Zelle Andrews (C.E.’s Office),

Liz Salvi (County Atty.’s Office).

Guests: Charlotte Watson (My Sister’s Place), Lester Goldstein

(The Loft), Harriet Leib and Charlotte Schienberg (LWV),

George Hosey (CBAC), Amy Paulin (Scarsdale Board of

Trustees).

The meeting was called to order at 3:40 P.M.

Item C-4 , regarding Bias Crimes, was the first topic of discussion. The amended legislation would require all Police Departments in Westchester County to report crimes or offenses which take place in their municipality to report them to the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. Chairman Abinanti explained that this will help to provide data and identify patterns of bias related crimes.

Legislator Noto explained that a new opinion from the Attorney General allows the County to broaden the scope of the legislation. Legislator Mosiello asked what the police chiefs thought of the plan, and was told by Legislator Noto that departments already send this information to the state voluntarily. He added that there have been no complaints by the departments since the law was enacted.

Legislator Mosiello questioned what prevents the County from requiring departments to provide specifics in all kinds of reports, why this isn’t an internal police job, and what the data will do. Legislator Noto explained that the extent and location of the bias-related incidents must be determined before the problem can be solved. Legislator Mosiello suggested a commission or task force to address the problem, and questioned if there was mandatory reporting of all types of crime. He told the committee that he disagrees with the existing law, because he opposes the placing of a mandate on local police departments.

On motion by Legislator Delfino, second by Legislator Noto the item was signed out for a public hearing and a vote. [5-0]

Legislation Minutes

March 26, 1996

Page 2

Item A-6 was explained to the Committee by Barbara Fratiani, State Liaison for the County Executive. She said that NYSAC had asked the County to pass a resolution supporting the amendment of Early Intervention. This would allow parents who can afford to pay for care of a disabled child to do so. She suggested that someone from the Department of Health could answer more in-depth questions.

The Committee briefly discussed the merits of holding special elections to fill a vacancy in the office of County Executive. They will discuss this further at a later meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:40 P.M.