The State Senate and Assembly have passed legislation (S.7987) sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) giving Orange County courts the authority to use the electronic interviews and testimony of defendants in criminal cases.

The bill adds Orange County to the list of 22 other counties in the state that are authorized to conduct electronic court appearances of defendants in criminal cases.

"Orange County is one of the fastest growing counties in New York State," said Senator Larkin. "This has led to an increasing number of criminal cases that are handled by the county's local criminal courts and superior courts. Authorizing electronic appearances by criminal defendants in Orange County would improve court efficiency and likely reduce the costs and dangers associated with the transportation of criminal defendants confined in institutions within and outside of Orange County."

The bill has passed the Senate and Assembly and will be sent to the Governor.