S2061

The Senate passed legislation amending the Vehicle and Traffic Law on a 43-16 vote, despite concerns from at least one senator that the bill weakens existing criminal penalties. Sen. Palumbo, voting against the measure, argued that amendments to Senate Print 2061 have transformed it into a vehicle that creates a lesser included offense for reckless driving causing death. Under the bill, such conduct would be charged as an A misdemeanor, Palumbo said, rather than as manslaughter in the second degree—a Class C felony under current law. While acknowledging the sponsor's laudable intent to deter reckless drivers, Palumbo contended the amendments conflict with existing Penal Law by allowing prosecutors to charge drivers with a less serious offense for the same conduct. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.