Practice Area: Government

New York State Bar Association Supports Reclassification of Marijuana

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The New York State Bar Association has submitted comments supporting the Biden Administration’s plan to reclassify marijuana on the federal controlled substance list from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug.  If the move is adopted, this will be the most significant change in U.S. drug policy in decades. Schedule 1 is the most … Continued

What Happens When a Governor Is Unable to Serve?

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When Andrew Cuomo resigned as governor in August 2021, New York had a constitutional procedure in place to fill that vacancy instantly. Under the constitution, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul became governor. So far, so good. But what if she became incapable of serving?  Who would make that determination, and how? New York is one of … Continued

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor Will Speak at the New York State Bar Association Civics Convocation

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U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor will speak at a New York State Bar Association Civics Convocation designed to explore how to ensure New Yorkers understand what the U.S. Constitution guarantees and how our democracy works. After delivering her remarks virtually to an audience at the Bar Center in Albany on May 9, Justice … Continued

New York State Bar Association Joins Legislators Calling for Increased Funding of Family Courts

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New York State Bar Association President Richard Lewis joined lawmakers calling for an increase in funding for New York’s Family Courts to address a crisis in the courts affecting children, parents and caregivers. He joined the chairs of the state Senate and Assembly Judiciary and Children and Families committees, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Assembly Members … Continued

New York State Bar Association 2024 Legislative Priorities

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Building on the momentum of the New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department successes in 2023, the Association will begin this month advocating for key legislative initiatives in both the state and national capitals for 2024. After consultation with the sections, committees and task forces, NYSBA’s legislative policy committee works with the government relations … Continued

The New York State Bar Association’s 2023 Government Relations Legislative Update

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The New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department had its most productive legislative session in years during 2023. Significant NYSBA priorities were signed into law, including a major increase in hourly rates for attorneys in 18b/assigned counsel cases, the Clean Slate Act, amendments to Notary Requirements, and the formation of a commission to study … Continued