POUGHKEEPSIE – New York State Senator Rob Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie) has reacted to the botched 2024 rape investigation at Cornell University that has resulted in Governor Hochul appointing New York State Attorney General Tish James as special prosecutor for the renewed investigation by calling on the State Assembly to take action on his Senate-approved legislation.

Rolison has co-sponsored since 2023 that would close the voluntary intoxication loophole, making clear that consuming alcohol or drugs does not mean someone has consented to sexual activity.

“Cases like the horrific abuse that happened at Cornell University are exactly why I have fought for domestic and sexual assault survivors my whole career,” Rolison proclaimed.  The Senate has repeatedly acted on this issue, and I have cosponsored and voted in favor of this legislation every year I have served in the Senate.

“Had the Assembly acted when the Senate first passed legislation addressing this loophole years ago, prosecutors could have had a stronger law at their disposal when these allegations were first investigated — and that could have led to an entirely different outcome.”

Rolison said that his 26-year career in law enforcement, including 14 years as a detective, has given him a unique perspective on claims of sexual assault.  “I investigated far too many sexual assault cases and saw firsthand how the justice system can fail survivors. No survivor should be denied the opportunity for justice because they consumed alcohol or drugs before they were assaulted. Intoxication is not consent.”

In renewing his call for the Assembly to take action, he also said: “I stand with the brave survivor who came forward in this case and with every survivor who has had to fight to be heard.”



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