A5074

The New York State Senate passed Assembly Print 5074, an act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law and the Penal Law, by a vote of 45-16. The bill, attributed to Senator Harckham, ensures individuals dealing with substance abuse or alcoholism have access to treatment programs that do not require religious participation. Sen. Krueger, voting in favor, argued that denying secular treatment alternatives violates constitutional protections of religious freedom, including the right not to be religious. Sixteen senators voted against the measure, including Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weber. The bill takes effect 60 days after becoming law.