Governor Cuomo is calling on the state Legislature to act on a proposal to create a justice center in the state for people with special needs.
Cuomo says the bill addresses an ongoing problem of abuse by employees in state mental health and special needs facilities.
The Governor says the new center will set up two justice mechanisms, "One, for really serious offenses, a special prosecutor who can bring criminal charges, specializing in justice area dealing with justice population and becoming expert in the challenges that are presented here."
Cuomo says the Justice Center will also have an effective administrative mechanism that sanctions or terminates employees who abuse trust.
The Senate unanimously passed the legislation. And Cuomo says now both the Senate and the Assembly need to work towards a final agreement before the end of the legislative session.