Dutchess County Legislature

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislature Launches Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

Chair Yvette Valdés Smith announced that the Dutchess County Legislature is addressing a gap in public safety by launching the Animal Welfare and Community Stewardship Committee (AWCS) with a goal of better protecting both the animal and human residents of Dutchess County.

Legislator Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), author and sponsor of the AWCS resolution said, "Over the past several months, Legislator Alexander and I have met with law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, shelters, rescues, and community stakeholders across Dutchess County.

“One message was clear: animal welfare is about more than animals,” Shah continued. “Preventing cruelty, supporting responsible stewardship, and strengthening coordination among community partners helps protect both animals and people while promoting public safety, public health, and community wellbeing. The AWCS committee provides a transparent forum in the legislature to take much needed action towards sustainable, coordinated and cost-effective solutions."

Full text of the press release (English & Spanish) is in the comments below.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Legislature of the County of Dutchess at a meeting held on May 11, 2026, adopted a local law entitled:

LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2026 AMENDING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2024 REGULATING HAZARDOUS POLLUTION SOURCES IN PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SOURCES, AQUIFERS AND WETLANDS

The intent of this Local Law is to amend Local Law No. 2 of 2024 to clarify the lawful disposal of commercial car wash waste waters.

A copy of the local law is available at the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature where it may be inspected during regular office hours.

JULIE SHIROISHI
Clerk
Dutchess County Legislature

Dated: May 29, 2026

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Legislature of the County of Dutchess at a meeting held on May 11, 2026, adopted a local law entitled:

LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF 2026, A LOCAL LAW REQUIRING FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE SINGLE-USE FOODWARE AND CONDIMENT PACKETS ONLY UPON REQUEST.

The intent of this Local Law is to reduce unnecessary waste and to help local businesses reduce costs associated with providing single-use items.

A copy of the local law is available at the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature where it may be inspected during regular office hours.

JULIE SHIROISHI
Clerk
Dutchess County Legislature

Dated: May 29, 2026

Thursday, June 4th
Legislative Committee Meeting, 5:30 pm
22 Market Street, 6th floor
Open to the public
Agenda: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Calendar-Page.htm
Livestream: https://totalwebcasting.com/view/?id=dutchess

The deadline for the Dutchess County Board of Elections "I Voted" sticker contest has been extended to Tuesday, June 30th!

Dutchess Legislature joins in recognizing National EMS Week POUGHKEEPSIE - Members of the Dutchess County Legislature's Public Safety Committee presented a proclamation at the legislature's full board meeting on Monday,

The Legislature was proud to partner with the Office of Veterans Affairs and Director Adam Roche to honor Sgt. Jacob Baker, during our most recent Legislative Board meeting. We'll be joining them at their ceremony next week.

Next Thursday, May 21 at 11am, County Executive Sue Serino and our Office of Veterans Affairs will host this month's Honor-A-Veteran ceremony recognizing the late Jacob Baker, a US Army veteran, honored Roy C. Ketcham High School student-athlete, and respected member of the Town of Poughkeepsie community. Join us at the American Legion Post 1302 in Poughkeepsie to honor his service and sacrifice.

At the May meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, Legislator Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie) successfully passed a resolution to enact a local law allowing local food businesses to save money and reduce waste by providing utensils, condiment packets, and other single-use items to customers only upon request.

Legislator Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie): “I am committed to reducing plastic waste, and introduced this legislation after learning that many customers don’t want extra utensils and condiments. That means mom & pop businesses can save up to $300 a month by “skipping the stuff” that often gets thrown away by consumers.

Legislator Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie) said, “This is a simple, common-sense measure to protect the environment without burdening businesses. By moving to an ‘upon request’ model, we ensure customers receive what they want while reducing waste.”

Full text of the press release is in the comments below.

Dutchess County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith (D-Fishkill) announced the launch of a standing committee on Artificial Intelligence and Technology Oversight. This month, Assistant Majority Leader Kris Munn (D-Red Hook) introduced a resolution to create the new committee, citing the speed with which AI is disrupting every aspect of society, including government.

Full text of the press release is in the comments below.