Will the Weinstein decision spur action in Albany? Hochul's taking a look

Plus: an update on lawsuits against even-year elections and Numbers of New York

Good afternoon — it’s Friday, and National Pretzel Day.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

TODAY’S CAPCON:

• Will the Weinstein decision from N.Y.’s top court spur action in Albany?

• Hochul’s hooked on phonics

• Catching up on the lawsuits against a recent election law

• Numbers of New York looks at renewable energy projects in N.Y.

🔨 Is Monday a Session Day? No.

☁️ Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Clear, mid-30s New York City: Mostly clear, mid-40s (National Weather Service)

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(Will Waldron/Times Union)

⚖️ Hochul’s office is “analyzing” the Weinstein decision, which could spur action at the state Capitol

🏛️ It’s not unusual for national news to inspire elected officials in New York to introduce legislation or advocate for change elsewhere.

When a draft of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked two years ago, Gov. Kathy HOCHUL responded with $35 million to support abortion providers in New York.

And when an 18-year-old killed 10 people in Buffalo solely because they were Black, Hochul responded by proposing new gun regulations in New York.

Those are two examples of a common occurrence at the state Capitol, where national news and tragic events often inspire new legislation or regulations in response.

So when the state’s top court gave Harvey Weinstein a new trial Thursday, my first question was: Will that decision spur a similar legislative response from Albany?

• The allegations against Weinstein, and many others, have already inspired lawmakers to strengthen the state’s sexual harassment laws in recent years.

• And his case was influential in building support for the Adult Survivors Act, which opened a temporary window for adult victims of sexual abuse to sue their alleged abusers.

I asked Hochul on Friday during a visit to a local school in Albany if she thought new legislation, or action otherwise, should come out of the Weinstein ruling.