College Students Should Consider Key Legal Protections as Fall Semester Begins

As college students arrive on campus or return for the fall semester, Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is urging students and their parents to address several legal issues that arise once a young person turns 18 and becomes a legal adult.

 “Once a young person reaches the age of majority, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to access medical, educational or financial information or to make decisions on their behalf, even if they are paying the bills,” Getman said. “A few basic documents and an awareness of housing and campus rules can provide important protection and peace of mind.”

Students should consider several key documents. A FERPA waiver allows colleges to share education records such as grades, enrollment status and disciplinary matters with designated parents or guardians. A HIPAA authorization permits health care providers to discuss medical information with authorized individuals. A health care power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions if the student cannot, while a living will or advance directive states preferences for certain medical treatments. A financial power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to handle bills, bank accounts and other financial matters if needed.

Those living in dormitories or off-campus housing also should understand their rights and responsibilities under lease agreements or housing contracts. These typically address rent or fees, security deposits, maintenance obligations, guest policies, quiet hours and rules on prohibited items such as open-flame devices, certain appliances and electrical equipment. Landlords and university housing offices generally must provide safe, livable conditions. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status, and students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations.

Campus living guides often stress community standards, civility, shared responsibility for maintaining a safe environment, and consequences for violations that can include termination of a housing agreement. In emergencies involving health or safety, or in certain alcohol or drug cases involving students under 21, federal and state law may permit limited disclosure of information to parents.

Students attending school out of state should confirm that any legal documents comply with the laws of both their home state and the state where they attend college.

 Students and parents who want more information about their legal rights and responsibilities should consider contacting their family lawyer or another competent attorney of their own choosing. New York residents may locate an attorney through the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service at findalawyernys.org or by calling 1-800-342-3661.

Schuyler County hosts public meeting on Hector lakeside address changes

Schuyler County’s Emergency Management Office, working with the town of Hector, will hold a public information meeting this week on planned address changes for some lakeside residents as the county transitions to Next Generation 911.

The meeting is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Valois, Logan, Hector Fire Department, 5736 Route 414. Officials are encouraging residents living on roads between State Route 414 and Seneca Lake to attend.

The changes aim to resolve confusion in the existing addressing system that has grown more difficult for emergency responders to navigate as residential development increased. Many seasonal and lakeside roads originally served only one or a few cottages. Additional driveways, private lanes and spur roads were later added, yet properties often continued sharing road names and numbering systems. In some spots the original numbering no longer provides enough available addresses; elsewhere multiple branches share a single road name.

County emergency officials said the updates will support Next Generation 911, which depends on more precise mapping and location data to improve response times. Accurate local addresses are especially important in areas with complicated private roads.

The Aug. 19 session is intended to explain the project, answer residents’ questions and provide a clearer picture of what changes may be coming.

Schuyler County Legislature to consider hires, grants, budgets Monday

The Schuyler County Legislature is scheduled to consider more than two dozen resolutions Monday (August 10) covering personnel hires, grant extensions, contracts, budget amendments and infrastructure work at its regular session.

Among the more significant proposals, Community Services would create and fill two less-than-full-time senior clinician positions at $41.36 an hour (Grade 14 under the CSEA contract) to provide required clinical supervision for licensed staff and trainees. The department also seeks authorization to create a full-time Assisted Outpatient Treatment Enhanced Voluntary Agreement coordinator position at $29.48 an hour (Grade 9) to improve coordination, evaluations and compliance with state Office of Mental Health standards.

A public hearing would be set for Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers on a proposal to use $76,049.11 from repair reserve funds for equipment upgrades in the Office for the Aging kitchen, based on the lowest quote from Singer Flihan LLC under a state contract.

 The legislature is also asked to appoint Michael L. Lausell as Democratic election commissioner, effective immediately, to fill a vacancy created by a July 21 resignation. The unexpired term runs through Dec. 31 at an annual salary of $25,989, following a party recommendation filed July 27.

Other business includes adopting state-set equalization rates for the 2027 county tax levy apportionment: Catharine and Montour at 95.00, Dix and Reading at 93.00, Cayuta at 65.00, Orange and Tyrone at 70.00, and Hector at 68.00.

 Budget actions would transfer $35,000 within Emergency Management accounts to cover additional personnel costs after a part-time position was converted to full time, and amend the Buildings and Grounds budget by $6,000 for higher-than-expected utilities at Seneca Harbor Park, offset by increased rental revenue. 

 Grant and contract items include extensions of two New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Domestic Terrorism Prevention grants totaling $172,413 each (no local share) for the Sheriff’s Department through Aug. 31, 2027; a $1,993 training agreement with SUNY Corning Community College for critical incident management; and an expert-witness contract with Independent Forensics of Illinois, LLC, at $325 per hour not to exceed $5,000 for the Public Defender.

 Additional agreements cover day-care services with Rainbow Junction’s Childcare Center of Dundee through May 2031; $20,000 (no local share) with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County for a garden improvement and stress-reduction programs serving children with special needs; $2,000 for a sensory-friendly experience at the Italian American Festival; and speech therapy services with Wendy Y. Close for preschool children with disabilities.

The county would authorize a memorandum of understanding with Tompkins County for shared bus-stop use to expand transit (no cost, through April 2031), adopt an updated Coordinated Public Transportation-Human Services Transportation Plan, extend a state Department of State grant for safe swimming opportunities through September 2026, accept a proposal from MXI Environmental Services for the Aug. 15 Household Hazardous Waste Day, collaborate on a county Climate Adaptation Plan at no cost, and modify 2026 agricultural district enrollments to a net 171.66 acres after correcting prior parcel listings.

 Highway and purchasing items would authorize sealed-bid advertisements for on-call bridge, culvert and infrastructure repair contractors and for 2027-2029 solid-waste and recycling services, plus a multi-year printer/copier maintenance contract with Toshiba Business Solutions.

 The session is the county’s regular August meeting. All items are subject to discussion and vote by the full Legislature.

Second Amendment Legal Update, August 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, Yates Counties to hold hazardous waste event

On Saturday, August 15th, Schuyler County will be holding a household hazardous waste and electronics recycling day, where residents of Schuyler and Yates counties can dispose of materials free of charge, including:

Household Hazardous Waste: Things such as driveway sealer, pool chemicals, pesticides, paint and more.
Electronic Waste: Computers, hard drives, monitors, printers and fax machines, cell phones, laptops and more.

A full list of accepted items is available here.

The event will be held that Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Schuyler County Shared Services Building at 910 S Decatur St. in Watkins Glen.

Pre-registration is required. Schuyler and Yates County residents can register here.

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.

N.Y. Lawyers’ Fund issues 2025 annual report, highlights client reimbursements and claims trends

The Board of Trustees of the NewYork Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has issued its annual report forcalendar year 2025, outlining the fund’s continued role in reimbursing clients harmed by dishonest conduct in the legal profession and highlighting trends in claims and payouts.

The report provides an overview of the fund’s operations, finances and claims activity, emphasizing its core mission: protecting legal consumers and maintaining public confidence in the justice system. Established in 1982, the fund reimburses eligible clients who suffer financial losses due to an attorney’s theft or misappropriation of money or property in the practice of law.

According to the report, the fund continues to be financed primarily by contributions from New York attorneys through registration fees, rather than taxpayer dollars. Awards are determined by the trustees, with reimbursements capped at $400,000 per client loss.

Among the key highlights, the trustees reported ongoing claims activity involving losses such as misappropriated real estate escrow funds, estate assets and settlement proceeds—categories that historically account for a significant share of reimbursements. The report also notes continued fluctuations in the number of claims filed and approved, reflecting broader trends in attorney discipline and financial misconduct cases.

Since its creation more than four decades ago, the fund has approved thousands of awards totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, serving as a last-resort remedy for clients unable to recover losses from attorneys or other sources.

The trustees emphasized that the fund’s work supports the integrity of the legal profession by providing restitution to victims while reinforcing standards of honesty and accountability among attorneys. Claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, typically after disciplinary proceedings have confirmed misconduct.

The 2025 annual report underscores the fund’s continued importance as a consumer protection mechanism within New York’s legal system, as well as its ongoing efforts to respond to evolving patterns of client loss and attorney misconduct.

Second Amendment Legal Update, May 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 Commemorates May 1 as “Law Day”

Law Day is Friday (May 1) and the Schuyler County Legislature has recognized as the Law Day 2026 theme, “the Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

The legislature passed a resolution at its April 13, 2026 meeting, recognizing “Law Day” as an occasion of public acknowledgement of our Nation’s heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law.

The resolution was submitted to the legislature by Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman.

“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. “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, guaranteeing equal treatment under the law, protecting individual rights against state abuse, and maintaining representative government through due process.”

In passing the resolution, the legislature called upon all Schuyler County residents “to observe this day together and to reflect on how the Rule of Law protects liberty and ensures all residents have the ability to fulfill their dreams.”

The measure was supported unanimously by the members present.

May 1, 2026 is the 69th Law Day. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation to mark our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Each year the American Bar Association selects an annual theme for Law Day.

A copy of Schuyler County’s resolution “Recognizing and Commemorating ‘Law Day’ in Schuyler County” is available here

April 19-25 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

This year marks the 45th annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, first proclaimed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. The 2026 theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an important time to honor the strength and resilience of survivors, recognize the dedicated professionals and organizations that support them, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring victims’ voices are heard in the justice system. Crime affects people physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually, and no one should face those impacts alone.
The week highlights the more than 12,000 victim service programs nationwide that provide critical support, backed by more than 32,000 laws protecting victims’ rights. It also encourages communities to confront barriers to justice, forge partnerships and strengthen services for survivors.
For more information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, resources and ways to get involved, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2026 or the National Center for Victims of Crime at victimsofcrime.org.

Schuyler County to Consider Joining New $97.6 million Opioid Settlement

 The Schuyler County Legislature will review and consider a resolution authorizing participation in a new national opioid settlement at its meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The proposed resolution would authorize Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman to finalize the county’s participation in a settlement with six regional pharmaceutical distributors, collectively referred to as the “Remnant Defendants.” The agreement, if finalized, would resolve the county’s claims against those entities while allowing litigation against remaining defendants to continue.

According to Getman, under the proposed agreement, the six defendants will collectively pay approximately $97.6 million nationwide to support opioid abatement efforts. Each participating municipality, including Schuyler County, will receive a one-time payment. The specific amount allocated to Schuyler County is still being calculated based on a national formula, he said.

The measure has already advanced through the county’s committee process, receiving approval from the Management and Finance Committee on March 23, 2026, and the Legislative Resolution Review Committee on April 8, 2026.

Funds from the settlement would be used for approved opioid abatement strategies, including prevention programs, treatment services, naloxone distribution, and support for vulnerable populations affected by opioid addiction.

“This proposed settlement represents another step forward in holding opioid distributors accountable while delivering meaningful resources to our community,” Getman said. “While the exact amount is still being determined, these funds will directly support evidence-based strategies to combat opioid addiction and its impacts in Schuyler County.”

Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno emphasized the importance of continued investment in public health efforts.

“Schuyler County has remained committed to addressing the opioid crisis through litigation and collaboration,” Rosno said. “Participation in this settlement will help strengthen our ability to fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs that serve our residents at no additional costs to our taxpayers.”

Schuyler County began pursuing legal action related to the opioid crisis in 2017, when the Legislature authorized Getman to work with outside counsel to seek damages from opioid manufacturers and distributors.

In 2018, the county adopted a local law declaring the opioid epidemic a public nuisance and filed a comprehensive lawsuit against multiple opioid supply chain participants, including manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.

Since 2021, Schuyler County has secured over $862,000 in opioid-related settlements, including $121,000 from Johnson & Johnson, $546,000 from distributors McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, $41,000 from Actavis Inc., $116,000 from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and $38,000 from Sandoz Inc.

These settlements are part of a broader national effort to hold companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis and to fund long-term recovery and prevention programs at the local level.

Schuyler County remains committed to pursuing additional claims in the ongoing litigation to address the opioid epidemic’s devastating impact, Getman said.