S6500

The Senate passed legislation amending the Criminal Procedure Law on a 40-23 vote, extending peace officer status to state Parks officers. Sen. Borrello, while voting in favor, expressed frustration that the bill does not include similar protections for Chautauqua Institution's police force, despite the Governor's previous commitment to sign such legislation. Borrello cited the 2022 attack on author Salman Rushdie at the institution as evidence of the critical need for peace officer status, arguing that in emergency situations, the seconds saved by having full law enforcement authority could be lifesaving. He characterized the omission as politics taking precedence over public safety. The bill passed with bipartisan support despite his reservations.