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Push On To Strengthen New York Good Samaritan Law

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - New York has a law that protects good samaritans, but some elected officials say it doesn't go far enough.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond On The Story

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Calls for the expansion of the protections of New York's good samaritan law were prompted by an incident in Astoria, Queens, where a deli owner refused to allow the victim of a bias crime seek shelter in his store.

There has been a rash of robberies and sexual assaults in the usually safe neighborhood that have local officials calling for the public to be an extra set of eyes and ears for the police.

"We need to ensure that many local businesses can act as deputies in the fight against crime and when people need help, they know they have a place to go," said St. Sen. Michael Gianaris.

Under the current law, people who step in to help a victim cannot be sued if the victim is injured.

The law does not apply to businesses.

What do you think about the good samaritan law? Sound off in the comments section below!

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