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Plenty of proposals still being pushed in Albany

Posted at 5:39 PM, Jun 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-11 17:39:01-04

The push to pass recreational marijuana by the end of session is on for many democrats, including Buffalo Assemblyman Sean Ryan.

“We need to decriminalize marijuana. We need to bring New York State into the 21st century,” Ryan said.

Some municipalities, like Buffalo for example, aren't enforcing low-level offenses. City officials said it prevents arrests ahead of a process that would eventually eliminate criminal charges anyhow.

"If we let it go passed this session, then its six more months of is it legal is it not legal? Some DA's are prosecuting. Some aren't,” Ryan said.

“I don't think there's enough data to support the legalization of (marijuana) it at this point,” said Republican State Senator Patrick Gallivan. That's why he doesn't think the Senate will vote for the measure before they adjourn for the year.

A proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses also remains in play.

According to a recent Siena College poll, a majority of registered voters statewide oppose the proposal 53% to 41%. The Assembly is expected to vote on the measure this week. The bill appears to still face opposition though in the Senate.

“The fact that whether someone is here legally or illegally should make a difference of the privileges that are conferred,” said Gallivan.

Session ends June 19.