New York bans smart glasses in all courthouses starting July 20

New York state will prohibit smart glasses and other recording-enabled eyewear or headwear from all court facilities beginning Monday (July 20), including in certain Schuyler County offices, a move aimed at preventing secret recordings of proceedings that violate state law.

The statewide ban, announced in a July 1 memo from the New York Unified Court System, applies to more than 1,240 state, county, city, town and village courts. It covers any eyewear or headgear with cameras, microphones or other recording technology, including prescription smart glasses.

People entering court buildings with such devices must surrender them to uniformed court officers for safekeeping. The prohibition extends to everyone, including judges, staff, attorneys, litigants and visitors.

Signs announcing the ban have been posted at courthouses statewide, including in the New York Sixth Judicial District, which includes Schuyler County.

Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman said the policy will directly affect county operations in Watkins Glen, where various county offices share space with the courthouse and the Sheriff’s Department lobby that houses the centralized arraignment court. All county buildings are also subject to a 2023 local law regulating photography, electronic recording and audio-visual recording in county facilities.

"This ban will require adjustments for our staff and anyone conducting business in our facilities," Getman said. "We share some buildings with the courts, so county employees and visitors to the Sheriff's Department or other offices will need to comply. It may mean additional planning for county proceedings or records access that might otherwise involve technology some now rely on."

The county’s local law, approved by the Schuyler County Legislature in January 2023, was drafted in consultation with the New York State Office of Court Administration. It aims to protect sensitive and confidential information in county facilities while exempting open meetings, courthouse steps, parks and other outdoor public spaces. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, with a permitting process available through the county administrator for authorized recordings.

Getman noted that while the change prioritizes the integrity of proceedings, local officials will work to minimize inconvenience.

"We support measures that protect the fairness and privacy of court processes," he said. "In a small county like Schuyler, where facilities are integrated, we'll coordinate closely with court officers to implement this smoothly and ensure public access isn't unduly restricted."

The ban seeks to enforce New York Civil Rights Law and court rules that already prohibit unauthorized recording in court facilities. Similar restrictions have been enacted in other states.

The rise of consumer smart glasses with discreet recording capabilities has heightened privacy concerns, prompting institutional responses nationwide.

Schuyler County Legislature Set to Consider Emergency Services Contract, School Officer Agreement, Comprehensive Plan Update

The Schuyler County Legislature is set to consider more than two dozen resolutions at its regular meeting Monday (July 13), including a five-year contract with Motorola Solutions for emergency services technology and an intermunicipal agreement for school resource officer services.

The agenda, reviewed by the Legislative Resolution Review Committee on July 8, includes items spanning public safety, personnel, budgeting, environmental planning and community recognitions. The full board is scheduled to meet July 13.

Top priorities include authorizing a five-year contract with Motorola Solutions for Emergency Services Flex Subscription services at a cost of $275,000, with a local share, to support local emergency operations. The resolution notes Motorola as a sole source provider.

Legislators will also weigh an agreement with the Watkins Glen Central School District for evening School Resource Officer services from the Sheriff’s Department, valued at $67,000 through June 30, 2027.

Other notable items include:

- Creating and filling a less-than-full-time Administrative Data Collector position in the Public Defender’s Office at $25.76 per hour to meet state indigent legal services data requirements.
- Authorizing bids for water treatment and cooling tower services for county buildings.
- Amending the county Timecard Policy to adjust approval deadlines.
- Multiple budget amendments for grant funding in public health, community services, veterans services and aging programs.
- Adopting the 2025-2035 Schuyler County Comprehensive Plan Update, along with related environmental quality review declarations.
- Recognizing August 2026 as National Shooting Sports Month and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The meeting is expected to include routine personnel, contract and policy matters alongside planning and recognition items. Full resolutions and supporting details are available through the county website.

Meetings of the Legislature are open and public. Public Participation time will be allowed after the opening of the official session for up to 30 minutes and at the completion of the agenda for up to 15 minutes.

Regular Meetings will be held in the Legislative Chambers at the County Office Building located at 105 Ninth Street, Watkins Glen at 6:30 p.m.

The Schuyler County Legislature is the county’s policy-making and appropriating body. It consists of eight part-time legislators elected from eight districts, each serving four-year staggered terms with term limits. Legislators represent county residents by establishing local laws, setting policy, and approving the county budget.

Second Amendment Legal Update, July 2026

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Residents Alerted to Essential Plan Health Insurance Changes, Scam Risks

Affected Schuyler County residents are urged to review their health coverage options and watch for scams as approximately 450,000 New Yorkers, including many in the Finger Lakes region, face the loss of low-cost Essential Plan insurance starting July 1.

The changes, driven by changes in federal law, will end Essential Plan eligibility for households with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level. This affects single individuals earning roughly $31,920 to $39,900 annually, along with higher thresholds for larger households.

New York officials issued guidance Monday outlining the shifts and available resources.

Affected residents qualify for a special enrollment period through the New York State of Health marketplace and have until Sept. 1 to select new coverage. State and local officials emphasize acting promptly to avoid gaps in protection.

Marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act typically carry higher premiums and costs than the Essential Plan, which featured $0 premiums, no deductibles and low copays. Costs could rise further as some federal subsidies expire.

Guidance details four main plan types available:

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Lower out-of-pocket costs but require referrals and limit non-emergency out-of-network care. • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): Broader provider networks and often no referrals, but higher costs.
• Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs): Limited networks with lower costs and no referrals, covering only emergencies out-of-network.
• Point of Service (POS) plans: Combine elements but usually require a primary care provider and referrals.

Consumers should verify that current doctors and prescriptions are covered, compare total costs including deductibles and premiums, and review star ratings (for quality) and metal levels (Bronze through Platinum, indicating cost-sharing).

For those unable to afford marketplace plans, options include hospital financial assistance programs, prescription assistance, discount cards and other resources.

Scam Warnings:

• Officials are stressing vigilance against fraud. Red flags include pressure to enroll immediately, requests for payment to "renew" coverage, promises of overly generous benefits, or demands for personal information without verified authorization.
• Only use New York State of Health-certified navigators, enrollment assistors, facilitated enrollers or local government representatives. Free help is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 1-855-355-5777. Government agencies do not charge fees to enroll or renew coverage.
• Residents suspecting scams can contact the Attorney General’s office or local law enforcement agencies.

Affected Schuyler County residents should visit the state marketplace promptly or reach out to local resources for personalized assistance during this transition.

Ovid's Historic "Three Bears" rededicated

WHAM-TV:

The Ovid community is celebrating a major milestone in a historic beautification project.

Originally built in 1845 and 1860, the Friends of the Three Bears building now serves as a community center for the community.

Since 2003, the village has been working to restore historic buildings.

They celebrated the installation of the historic marker on Sunday (May 31), honoring their efforts.

More on the Friends of the Three Bears here.

Schuyler County Urges Wear Purple for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Schuyler County officials are urging residents and county employees to wear purple Monday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and spotlight a problem that often remains hidden.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging and Adult Protective Services invited the community to participate in the June 15, 2026, observance by “Going Purple for a Purpose.” The color symbolizes support for older adults and a commitment to preventing elder abuse.
In addition, the Schuyler County Legislature issued a resolution recognizing the day locally.

"It is our collective responsibility to provide for safe and secure communities and living environments for our seniors. and to encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation," the legislature stated.
Elder abuse affects millions of older adults annually and can include physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as neglect and exploitation. Many cases go unreported because victims may feel ashamed, fear retaliation or depend on their abuser.
Federal partners, including the Social Security Administration and Justice Department, are also marking the day with warnings about rising financial scams targeting seniors, such as government imposter fraud.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually on June 15. The United Nations-recognized event aims to increase understanding of the cultural, social and economic factors involved in mistreatment of older persons.
Schuyler County’s call to action aligns with similar efforts across New York and the nation. County departments were specifically encouraged to participate to help raise awareness countywide.
Resources for reporting suspected abuse or seeking help are available through local Adult Protective Services and the Eldercare Locator. Officials emphasize that awareness is a key first step in protection.

Second Amendment Legal Update, June 2026

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County to help seniors recognize and avoid scams

Schuyler County officials will host a community presentation next month aimed at helping older adults identify and avoid common scams targeting seniors, county officials announced.

The program, titled “Scams 101,” is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Office for the Aging's Silver Spoon Cafe in Montour Falls, according to an event flyer distributed by the county. The presentation will cover romance scams, government impersonator schemes, tech support scams, grandparent scams, identity theft, fake sweepstakes and check scams.

The educational session will be presented by the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, a regional organization that provides elder abuse prevention, education and intervention services across upstate New York.

Organizers are encouraging residents to register in advance by calling the Schuyler County Office for the Aging at (607) 535-7108.

The event comes as state and local agencies continue to warn older adults about rising financial exploitation and fraud schemes. The New York State Office for the Aging estimates that hundreds of thousands of older New Yorkers are affected annually by some form of elder abuse, including financial exploitation.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging serves county residents age 60 and older, as well as caregivers and individuals with disabilities through its NY Connects partnership. The office provides information and referrals, nutrition services, benefits assistance and other supports intended to help residents remain independent in their homes and communities.

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan works with professionals, caregivers and community organizations throughout 10 counties in the Finger Lakes region and broader upstate New York to address elder abuse and mistreatment. The organization provides educational presentations, intervention services and professional training focused on protecting older adults from abuse, neglect and scams.

State aging officials say scam prevention programs have become increasingly important as fraudsters use technology, artificial intelligence and social engineering tactics to target older adults. The New York State Office for the Aging recommends that seniors avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers, verify requests for money independently and report suspected fraud to local authorities or adult protective services.

Additional information about programs and services offered by the Schuyler County Office for the Aging is available through the county’s official website, Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Information about elder abuse prevention and Lifespan services is available through Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

President Reagan's Remarks at Memorial Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery | May 31, 1982

 

New York State Courts Release Justice Initiatives Report on Law Day; Schuyler County Recognizes 69th Observance

 New York’s court system highlighted efforts to expand access to justice and strengthen the rule of law as it marked Law Day and released the Office for Justice Initiatives’ annual report, coinciding with local observances across the state including in Schuyler County.

The 2026 Law Day theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” underscores how the principle that no one is above the law supports individual liberties and opportunities, according to the American Bar Association and state court officials. Law Day, first proclaimed nationally in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is observed annually on May 1.

The New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives released its annual report, detailing initiatives across divisions focused on access to justice, family and child welfare, problem-solving courts, elder justice, diversity and inclusion, and youth justice. Led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Richardson, the office reported expanded staffing to meet growing needs, increased funding for civil legal services supporting essentials of life, and new programs including the first in-person Diversity Summit and enhanced support for lay guardians.

In her message, Richardson emphasized the report’s alignment with Law Day: “The rule of law is a simple concept: no one is above or below the law,” she wrote, tying the office’s work to making justice accessible regardless of background, income or ability. The report also notes convenings for judges and staff on best practices in problem-solving, family and youth courts.

Locally, Schuyler County officials acted ahead of the observance.  On April 13, the Schuyler County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution recognizing May 1 as Law Day and adopting the national theme. County Attorney Steven Getman submitted the resolution.

“The Rule of Law ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams,” Getman wrote in the resolution. “The rule serves as a vital bulwark of liberty by ensuring that governance is based on established, neutral legal principles rather than the arbitrary power of officials.”

Legislator Phil Barnes introduced the measure, with Legislator Mark Rondinaro seconding it. Lawmakers called on residents to observe the day by reflecting on how the rule of law safeguards liberty and opportunity.

Statewide events included commemorations at the Court of Appeals in Albany, while communities participated in educational programs, art contests for high school students and other activities tied to the theme. The Office for Justice Initiatives supports Justice Coordinators in each judicial district to address local access-to-justice gaps through community engagement.

The annual report highlights examples such as art events linked to the Law Day theme.

Law Day resources from the American Bar Association encourage public education on the legal system and civic participation.