Author: Jennifer Andrus

New York State Bar Association President Testifies on Public Safety and Legal Representation Budget Priorities

New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet submitted testimony to the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees on Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026–27 Executive Budget, offering thoughtful guidance to the Legislature to ensure investments in public safety, legal representation, and court infrastructure are preserved and strengthened. A significant concern is the proposed diversion of hundreds of millions … Continued

New York State Bar Association Supports Governor Hochul’s Proposals To Protect New Yorkers’ Constitutional Rights

New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet issued the following statement today: “The New York State Bar Association commends Governor Hochul’s Sensitive Locations Protection Act, which safeguards New Yorkers’ constitutional rights from federal overreach. By ensuring that sensitive locations – including schools — are protected from warrantless civil immigration enforcement and establishing a state … Continued

NYSBA Series Explores Legal Decisions in End-of-Life Care for Animals

The New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Animals and the Law will present a three-part webinar exploring the emotional, practical, ethical, and legal complexities of end-of-life care for animals. The series, entitled “The End-of-Life Journey with our Beloved Animals: From Diagnosis to Life After Loss,” offers guidance from veterinarians, animal hospice experts and attorneys … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Reacts to the Governor’s Budget

New York State Bar Association President Kathleen M. Sweet issued the following statement on the Governor’s Executive Budget: “As the New York State Bar Association continues to analyze the 2027 Executive Budget proposals, we commend Governor Hochul for strengthening funding for the Judiciary, proposing to ban illegal homegrown firearms (ghost guns), and protecting the integrity … Continued

New York State Bar Association Calls on Administration To Maintain a Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The New York State Bar Association calls on the Trump Administration to ensure that public sector lawyers — who represent crime victims, children, and numerous and other clients — can benefit from the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program. The House of Delegates, the association’s governing body, approved a report that details the devastating effect … Continued

How to Prepare and Respond to Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have evolved into a billion-dollar threat and businesses of all sizes  are at risk. Preparing a business for the threat and planning a response was the topic of a panel discussion sponsored by the Local and State Government Law Section at the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting. The panelists represented legal, … Continued