Governor Hochul, as part of the 2023 State of the State, announced major public safety initiatives and investments, expanding proven programs and services to further drive down gun violence and other violent crime, reduce recidivism, address the flow of deadly fentanyl and improve the efficacy of the court system, which was disrupted by the pandemic.
Governor Hochul signed legislation (S7867-A/A9596-A) to establish a statewide electronic tracking system for sexual offense evidence collection kits, commonly known as rape kits.
Governor Hochul announced the availability of $28 million to assist seven cities - Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers - combat gun violence across the state.