Updated 03/12/2013 10:59 PM
Monroe County Legislators Sign Measure Opposing SAFE Act
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The Republican majority in the Monroe County Legislature is putting its opposition to the New York SAFE Act in writing. The resolution asking for the repeal of the law will be filed with the New York State Legislature on Wednesday.
It was a packed house Tuesday at the Monroe County Legislature meeting, as a large crowd gathered many to speak in support of repealing the SAFE Act. Some did speak in favor of the law.
All 19 Republican members of the legislature signed on to the measure. Other legislators wishing to do so will be given until the end of the business day Wednesday to do so.
The resolution asks for the Webster provision, a piece of the law that stiffens the penalties for those who attack first responders, to be taken out of the SAFE Act so it can stand on its own.
"It's a matter of urgency because there are amendments and discussion happening in Albany this week. There are court cases taking place and being considered this week so we thought it was important that we act, and act now," said Anthony Daniele, (R) Monroe County Legislature Majority Leader.
No Democratic legislator was available for comment Tuesday night. Daniele says he expects at least one Democratic member to sign the resolution.
So far, 44 of New York's 62 Counties have passed resolutions to oppose the Safe Act.
Both parties unanimously agreed on a measure, sponsored by legislator Steve Tucciarello, that stiffens the penalties for those who sell or use or possess synthetic drugs like K2 and bath salts. The penalties include a fine of up to 1,000 dollars and four years in prison.