O'Connell Lauds Passage Of Legislation Protecting Law Enforcement Officials

Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell (R,C,I-East Williston) is applauding passage of legislation that increases penalties for illegal gun traffickers and imposes stiffer penalties for individuals who attack law enforcement personnel. The bills were passed Wednesday by the Senate and Assembly and are on the way to Gov. George Pataki to be signed into law.

"I am extremely pleased the last piece of legislation I voted on before leaving the Assembly in January is aimed at saving lives and protecting law enforcement officials," said O'Connell. "Recent tragedies mandated that action be taken on fixing the current laws. I am pleased both sides of the aisle and both houses were finally able to come together with the governor to reach an agreement that will save lives and help protect those who have pledged their lives to protecting others."

O'Connell leaves the Assembly on Jan. 1 to become Nassau County clerk.

The legislation drastically increases penalties for individuals convicted of selling, possessing and using illegal firearms, as well as for possessing multiple guns. Current law states that possession of as many as 19 illegal guns is barely a misdemeanor, O'Connell said, with potential sentences being as lenient as probation. The legislation will also increase prison terms for violent offenses against police and peace officers.

According to O'Connell, legislation for tougher penalties for illegal gun traffickers was first proposed in 2001. Although the Senate has repeatedly passed it, Assembly members weren't given the opportunity to vote on the measures - until Wednesday.

O'Connell concluded, "Preserving life has always been one of my highest priorities. As a nurse, I fought every day to save lives. For years, Assembly Democrats refused to allow the full Assembly to vote on legislation that would save lives. If only we were given the opportunity to vote on it in 2001, when this legislation was introduced, the tragic recent murders of two police officers may have been prevented."

O'Connell was referring to the shooting deaths of two New York City police officers in separate incidents within the past month, allegedly by individuals using illegal handguns.