Politics & Government

Report: Martins Tops LI Lawmakers in Getting Two-house Bills Passed

In 2013, two-thirds of Martins' Senate-approved legislation passed by Assembly as well.

By Rich Jacques

For the second year in a row, Senator Jack Martins has had more two-house bills pass in the state Legislature than any Long Island State lawmaker, according to a recent report.

According to the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), Martins is the fourth highest overall in the entire 213-member Legislature in getting bills passed. 

During the 2013 session, Martins sponsored 40 pieces of legislation that were passed by the Senate — with 27 approved by both Houses of the Legislature. 

The Mineola Republican ranks fourth overall among 62 other Senators in successfully passing two-house bills. 

Last year, Martins was responsible for introducing 32 bills that were passed by the Senate and 23 bills that were approved by both the Senate and the Assembly. Additionally, 22 of these 23 were signed into law by the governor.

 “Since taking office in January 2011, I have worked with my
colleagues and the governor to make Albany gridlock and dysfunction a thing
of the past,” said Senator Martins. “I believe that this hard work and
compromise has resulted in landmark new laws that will keep New York State
moving in the right direction.”

Measures introduced by Martins and passed in 2013 include:

  • Bill S.1987-A: To prohibit smoking within fifteen feet of all general hospitals, residential health care facilities and other state licensed health care facilities; Legislation.
  • Bill S.5776: To allow local industrial development agencies to finance projects in local downtown areas that were impacted by Superstorm Sandy; Legislation.
  • Bill S.5865: To create a financial restructuring board to  assist fiscally distressed municipalities at their request; Legislation (S.5646) that would allow local governments to donate surplus computer equipment to schools, libraries and not-for-profit organizations.
  • Bill S.4786-A: To significantly increase the penalties for anyone caught driving without a legal driver’s license; and Legislation
  • Bill S.933-A: To would ban the sale of novelty lighters in retail stores.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here