Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed three pieces of legislation expanding protections for victims of domestic violence. S.2625/A.5608 broaden the definition of the crime of domestic violence to include forms of economic abuse such as identity theft, grand larceny and coercion. The bill was approved 141-0 in the state Assembly with no floor debate.

In addition to their votes in support on the Assembly floor, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, voted in favor of the bill in the Social Services Committee while Assemblyman Joe Giglio, R-Gowanda, voted in favor of the bill in the Codes Committee.

S.3232/A.219. gives domestic violence victims the choice to vote by mail-in ballot, even if they remain within the county where they are registered to vote. The legislation was passed 141-0 in the state Assembly. S.1243/A.4467 allows victims to report abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York state, regardless of where the violence originally took place. The bill passed the Assembly, 147-0.

“Domestic violence is a quiet scourge that has the potential to leave lasting trauma on victims,” Cuomo said. “By signing these measures into law, we will broaden the legal definition of domestic violence so more abusers are held accountable as well as empower victims to get help faster and provide them a measure of protection from their abuser when they vote.”