The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

Governor Hochul’s Fourth Veto of the Grieving Families Act Fails New York’s Grieving Families
For the fourth time, Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed the Grieving Families Act — legislation that would finally modernize New York’s outdated wrongful death law and bring fairness to families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

