Domestic violence bills gain in New York State legislature because of misdeeds of Governor's staff and State Senators themselves

From the Albany Times Union on 03/17/10 in part:

Forget the budget, a legislative crackdown on domestic violence is top-of-mind for many lawmakers this week in the Senate and Assembly.
Among the bills coming up: laws that would help guard against the use of firearms; make it easier for domestic violence victims to change their phone listings; and tougher penalties for people who choke their spouses or partners.

The sudden interest is no coincidence. It's the result of two high-profile domestic abuse cases that have put members of the state's political leadership in the headlines: the expulsion of former Queens Sen. Hiram Monserrate for attacking his girlfriend and the ongoing investigation of whether top aides to Gov. David Paterson, and possibly the governor himself, may have interfered with a domestic abuse case.