- S.197, Tucker’s Law
- S.252, expanding the existing ban on the sale and possession of wild animals
- S.703, removing the word “serious” from the phrase “serious physical injury” in relation to aggravated cruelty to animals
- S.1784, addressing the issue of pets left behind in vacated properties
These bills are part of a comprehensive package designed to protect animals from abuse and neglect, enhance existing laws, and ensure greater accountability for those who mistreat them. “Protecting animals from cruelty and ensuring their safety is a responsibility we all share,” said Addabbo. “These legislative measures are designed to enhance animal protections and hold those who mistreat them accountable.”
| Bill Title | Description |
|---|---|
| S.197, Tucker’s Law | Increases the sentencing for aggravated animal cruelty from two years to up to four years. |
| S.252 | Expands the existing ban on the sale and possession of wild animals to include a broader range of exotic animals. |
| S.703 | Removes the word “serious” from the phrase “serious physical injury” in relation to aggravated cruelty to animals. |
| S.1784 | Addresses the issue of pets left behind in vacated properties. |
“These legislative initiatives represent significant steps forward in our ongoing efforts to protect animals and promote responsible ownership,” Addabbo continued. “On Animal Advocacy Day, we honor the dedication of advocates and organizations who tirelessly work to give animals a voice. I encourage New Yorkers to support local animal shelters and participate in efforts to prevent animal cruelty.”
“Growing constituent concerns about the potential hazards of battery energy storage installations, including fire risk and insufficient emergency response planning, prompted me to work with my state legislative colleagues to introduce this proactive measure aimed at safeguarding our communities while supporting New York’s clean energy objectives,” said Addabbo.
The animal welfare bills have already received Senate approval and are now under review in the appropriate committees within the State Assembly.
The Importance of Community Involvement in BESS Deployment
Senator Addabbo is also addressing growing constituent concerns related to the location, safety, and oversight of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in local communities. Through his newly introduced bill S.7197, he aims to ensure that the deployment of these clean energy systems is done with community involvement, public safety, and environmental responsibility in mind.
- Requires early notification to local officials and residents when a BESS project is proposed.
- Mandsates comprehensive safety reviews and full compliance with updated fire and building codes.
- Encourages collaboration between developers and emergency responders to ensure preparedness in the event of a battery-related incident.
- Requires a minimum 250-foot setback from residential properties for commercial battery systems rated at 5 megawatts or more.
- Key Provisions of S.7197
- Transparency and accountability: Requiring early notification to local officials and residents when a BESS project is proposed. Comprehensive safety reviews: Mandating comprehensive safety reviews and full compliance with updated fire and building codes. Collaboration and preparedness: Encouraging collaboration between developers and emergency responders to ensure preparedness in the event of a battery-related incident. Setback requirements: Requiring a minimum 250-foot setback from residential properties for commercial battery systems rated at 5 megawatts or more.
“The Department of Public Service, in coordination with other state agencies, will provide municipalities with siting guidelines and enforce financial surety requirements, ensuring that developers are held accountable for safety and remediation,” said Addabbo.
These legislative initiatives demonstrate Senator Addabbo’s commitment to addressing animal welfare concerns and ensuring public safety, while also supporting New York’s clean energy objectives.
