Here’s what it’s like to walk through Washington Square Park in Manhattan in the wake of legalization. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Law and Legislation”
New Yorkers With Marijuana Convictions Will Get First Retail Licenses
By Gotham Rex on March 9, 2022
Officials intend to reserve the first 100 or more retail licenses to sell marijuana in New York for people who have been convicted of related offenses, or their relatives. Source: New York Times
Can This Family Get a Stake in the Big Business of Marijuana?
By Gotham Rex on February 16, 2022
New Jersey’s cannabis law was partly designed to remedy wrongs in a criminal justice system that disproportionately ensnares Black and Latino people. But the hurdles for small-business owners are high. Source: New York Times
How Bruce Blakeman Used a Mask Rebellion to Revive His Career
By Gotham Rex on February 10, 2022
Since a surprise win on Long Island, Bruce Blakeman has been on a seemingly single-minded mission to challenge and defy Gov. Kathy Hochul over mask mandates. Source: New York Times
Adams Wants Tougher Bail Laws. Can He Get Other Democrats to Agree?
By Gotham Rex on February 8, 2022
Mayor Eric Adams will need buy-in from prosecutors, judges and a Democratic-led State Legislature that may balk at some of his tough-on-crime prescriptions. Source: New York Times
G.O.P. Lawsuit Casts N.Y. Congressional Maps as Brazen Gerrymandering
By Gotham Rex on February 4, 2022
A Republican-led legal effort faces an uphill battle to overturn newly drawn congressional districts, which Democrats have defended as lawful. Source: New York Times
As New York Revisits To-Go Drink, Liquor Stores Prepare for Battle
By Gotham Rex on January 31, 2022
Lawmakers are considering whether to permanently legalize to-go drinks, setting off a clash between liquor stores and restaurants. Source: New York Times
Adams Blames Bail Law After Release of Teen Charged in Officer Shooting
By Gotham Rex on January 28, 2022
Mayor Eric Adams said he was “outraged” that a teenager accused in the shooting of a police officer in the Bronx had been freed on bond. Source: New York Times
Conflict Quickly Emerges Between Top Prosecutor and Police Commissioner
By Gotham Rex on January 8, 2022
A memo by New York City’s new police leader sharply questioned Manhattan’s new district attorney over his strategy for prosecuting crime. Source: New York Times
New York Could Make History With a Fashion Sustainability Act
By Gotham Rex on January 7, 2022
The state would be the first to pass legislation setting broad sustainability regulations for the industry. Source: New York Times
Kathy Hochul Gives Her First State of the State Speech
By Gotham Rex on January 5, 2022
Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged $10 billion to boost the state’s decimated health care work force, proposed a new transit line, and directed funds to combat gun violence. Source: New York Times
N.Y.C. Grants Noncitizens Right to Vote in Local Elections
By Gotham Rex on December 9, 2021
The legislation approved by the City Council will set up a system for legal residents to vote in municipal elections. Source: New York Times
New York Moves to Allow 800,000 Noncitizens to Vote in Local Elections
By Gotham Rex on November 23, 2021
New York City will become the largest municipality in the country to allow legal residents to vote if the legislation is approved as expected in December. Source: New York Times
How the $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Could Impact New York
By Gotham Rex on November 15, 2021
The bill, which President Biden is expected to sign Monday, is likely to fund road and bridge repairs, water infrastructure upgrades and airport expansions. Source: New York Times
Ocasio-Cortez Isn’t Wavering. Are New Yorkers on Her Side?
By Gotham Rex on November 12, 2021
By voting no on the infrastructure bill, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set off a fierce debate, including among city residents eager to see the subways improved. Source: New York Times