A special session in Albany took place where Assemblyman Tom Alfano led a statewide press conference announcing an agreement on anti-crime legislation aimed at illegal gun sales and criminals who kill police officers. The bills voted on by the Assembly and Senate would dramatically increase penalties for the sale and possession of illegal guns. It would also create harsher penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and for possession of armor-piercing "cop killer" bullets. Assemblyman Alfano is referring to the newly agreed-upon bill known as Dillon's Law in memory of Dillon Stewart, an Elmont resident who served as a New York City police officer.

Alfano made the announcement after an agreement had been achieved with Governor George Pataki, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. Flanked by law enforcement officials, district attorneys, crime victim advocates and assembly members, Alfano talked about the tragedy of Officer Dillon Stewart and other victims of gun violence at the statewide press conference. Assembly Leader Jim Tedisco, who introduced Alfano at the landmark event, stood with him in helping lead the fight for the vote.

Alfano discussed the poignancy of the day to the 21st Assembly District, which was home to Officer Stewart, who was killed by an illegal gun. "Today we take a great step forward in taking illegal guns off the streets by going after illegal gun dealers and raising penalties against criminals. The Elmont community is still grieving for Dillon Stewart and his entire family. He was a hero to all of us. He served our city and state with distinction and purpose. Dillon took great pride in his service with the police department and we're all proud of him," Alfano said.

The agreement that Alfano announced with his colleagues in the Assembly institutes mandatory life without parole for killing a police officer as well as increases penalties for a range of other violent and threatening crimes against law enforcement officials. As the vote was taking place in the Assembly, where the vote was unanimous with a 135-0 vote, Alfano informed Officer Stewart's wife by telephone.

During the session conference, Alfano talked to a capacity crowd at the historic Assembly Parlor Room about the impact of the tragedy in the Elmont community. "Over 20,000 members of law enforcement lined the streets of Brooklyn to pay their respects to Dillon and comfort his family. In Elmont, children of Dutch Broadway School lined the streets in support of Dillon's daughter, who is their classmate and friend. Today, New York State acted and took aim at criminals who take lives with a gun."

The bills are now on Governor Pataki's desk for signature.