ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. David Paterson is vetoing a bill that would create a new hot line for the public to report suspected physical, sexual or emotional abuse of adults in some state health facilities.
The bill would require all reports to immediately go to the commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health.
Paterson says the bill would duplicate efforts because the state has a phone line and Internet system for reporting abuse. Paterson also says the estimated $3.4 million cost was too much during the current fiscal crisis.
Paterson also vetoed a bill that would study the impact of hostile behavior in the workplace, and a series of local bills that would extend peace officer status to more people.