The Dutchess County Legislature unanimously approved four pieces of legislation this week. The measures address fuel costs, road safety, surveillance, and data center development.
The Legislature extended its sales tax cap on gasoline and diesel until March of next year. The cap is intended to reduce fuel costs for county residents, according to County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith.
The Legislature also passed a law requiring motor vehicles to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing bicycles, pedestrians, or other vulnerable road users. Local law enforcement agencies now have authority to issue citations to drivers who violate the requirement. State law previously mandated a "safe distance" but did not specify what that means.
The Legislature voted to terminate the county's contract with Flock, a surveillance camera company operating throughout the county. The decision followed concerns from community members about mass surveillance and agreement from the County Sheriff and District Attorney that ending the contract serves the public interest. The Legislature directed staff to cover all cameras the company cannot remove within 30 days.
The Legislature also adopted a resolution supporting New York State's Responsible Data Center Development Act, which imposes a moratorium on data center projects of 20 megawatts or higher. The resolution will be forwarded to Governor Hochul and state representatives.