Reps in Action: May 27, 2021

Stefanik cosponsors Preventing Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) cosponsored the Preventing Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Act.

According to a press release, the legislation would require the U.S. Department of Justice to designate an official responsible for handling the expedited review of anti-Semitic hate crimes and reports for the next three years; require the Attorney General to issue a report examining anti-Semitic hate crimes and investigations to Congress within 90 days of enactment, and every 90 days after until Dec. 31, 2024; and remove the 10-year maximum penalty for federal hate crime convictions if the offender has at least one prior conviction for a state or federal hate crime felony.

“The recent and drastic surge in anti-Semitic violence, attacks and rhetoric is vile and un-American, and I am proud to take action to ensure the perpetrators of these evil hate crimes are brought to justice," Stefanik said in a statement.

"Every member of Congress has a moral obligation to stand strongly with the Jewish-American community and speak up on their behalf, and I am proud to do so."

State Senate approves Stec-supported bill

ALBANY — On Wednesday, the State Senate approved a bill, cosponsored by State Sen. Dan Stec (R-Queensbury) that would authorize forest rangers, park rangers and environmental conservation police officers to possess and administer epinephrine.

According to a press release, the legislation would amend state public health law to add those officials to the list of "eligible persons or entities" authorized to utilize epinephrine injectors, such as EpiPens, which reverse the side effects of severe allergic reactions.

“This is as common-sense as legislation can be,” Stec said in a statement. “Rangers and conservation officers are very well-trained, ready to deal with most emergencies but, remarkably, not equipped with a potentially life-saving epi-pen.

“With more people on the trails and in the backcountry, the likelihood of someone suffering a severe allergic reaction far from a medical facility has grown. I’m very hopeful this will be signed into law.”

The Assembly has already passed companion legislation. If Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs the bill, the measure would take effect after 30 days.