Mohawk Valley Times

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C - Schenevus) and State Assemblyman Chris Tague (R/C - Schoharie) announced the signing of their electronic appearance bill (S6798A/A06738A), which expands the use of virtual arraignments to Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie counties.

Senator Peter Oberacker stated, “I am proud that we were able to pass this bill to make it easier for our district attorneys and law enforcement agencies to do their jobs. It’s a transformative step that addresses an important need in our rural communities while saving valuable time and resources. This new law also enhances the safety and security for our law enforcement and judicial system. Thank you to Assemblyman Tague for your leadership in the Assembly, Governor Hochul for her decisive action on this bill, and to our local partners and advocates who were crucial in making this significant change a reality.”

Assemblyman Chris Tague commented, “I’m incredibly proud to see this bill signed into law. Rural counties statewide, and my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle, have asked for further measures to utilize in saving time and resources for arraigning court cases, and this bill will do just that. I want to thank my partner Sen. Oberacker for carrying this bill in the Senate, I want to thank Gov. Hochul for signing it into law, and thank our local partners and advocates for using their voices to help pass this instrumental piece of legislation that will enhance safety and security, benefitting us all.”

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond remarked, “Today marks a crucial victory for the law enforcement community in Delaware County. This bill empowers us to combat crime more effectively in an era where too many laws are tipping the scales in favor of criminals. Thank you to Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Tague for making it unequivocally clear that our allegiance is with the brave men and women who protect our communities, not with those who threaten them.”

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith noted, “We have reached a significant milestone today with the signing of Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Tague’s electronic appearance bill. This legislation is a triumph for the safety of our officers of the court and local law enforcement by reducing the massive risks associated with transporting criminals while also saving taxpayer dollars. I look forward to our continued partnership and dedication to protecting our communities.”

Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin added, “This bill marks, perhaps, the first time in recent memory that legislation has been signed that both benefits taxpayers while enhancing the safety of our communities. Electronic arraignments put the safety and security of law enforcement first, and it’s a huge step forward. Thank you to Assemblyman Tague and Senator Oberacker for their unyielding commitment to the Otsego Sheriff’s Office and the brave men and women in law enforcement.”

Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl expressed support by saying, “Virtual arraignment court is something we saw deployed temporarily during the height of the pandemic, and I’m happy to see Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Tague take the initiative to make this measure permanent in Otsego County. Our courts are more secure; members of law enforcement are safer; taxpayers will see much-needed relief because of this vital change. I applaud Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Tague for their efforts.”

Schoharie County Sheriff Ron Stevens said appreciatively: “I’m thankful for the partnership with Assemblyman Tague and Senator Oberacker to get this law established in New York. Courts in Schoharie County can now move more efficiently operate with less overhead as a result of this change; I know local courts are grateful for support. It’s a net benefit for all in judicial system; we’re immensely thankful state government passed it into law.”

Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery concluded: "I would like thank Assemblyman Tague; Senator Oberacker; legislature; Governor Hochul New York State’s rural counties struggling staffing shortages; helps local governments run efficiently available staffing while protecting rights accused."

---