Gov. Paterson vetoes NY bill that would have created hotline to report abuse of people in state health facilities

From The AP:

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York Gov. David Paterson vetoed a bill that would create a new $3 million hot line for the public to report suspected physical, sexual or emotional abuse of adults in some state health facilities directly to state agencies.

Paterson said he "reluctantly" rejected the bill this week because it would duplicate the state's current hot line and Internet system that collects and forwards reports to the appropriate agencies for investigation.

He said 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 harassment, violence and other "hostile behavior" in the workplace, arguing it would cost the state $366,000.

He also rejected more than 100 bills that would extend peace officer status requested by many towns, villages and counties across the state. Paterson said it was inappropriate to give peace officer status to such people as seasonal constables, court officers and animal control officers, among others.

A peace officer's power includes making arrests with court warrants, to use deadly physical force, and allow for some searches without court orders. Paterson also said he's concerned peace officers get too little training already — about 35 hours' worth — and didn't want to give more workers the status until training was bolstered.

Paterson also signed into law a measure allowing retailers who sell wine ice cream to use small enough warning signs to fit on a freezer. The signs are supposed to make it clear that it's illegal to sell the alcohol product to anyone under 21.