Dutchess County Legislature

08/31/2026

Reminder for all DUTCHESS COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Sign up for your free LAP Training! See the flyer and QR code for more information.

For Dutchess County Elected Officials - Sign up for LAP Assessment Training and learn how it's being used to support DV victims and survivors: https://forms.gle/R3RCPvGWKpVbKD8h7

08/27/2026

For Dutchess County Elected Officials - Sign up for LAP Assessment Training and learn how it's being used to support DV victims and survivors: https://forms.gle/R3RCPvGWKpVbKD8h7

08/11/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess Legislature Bans Dangerous “Gas Station” Kratom Concentrates - While Protecting Adults’ Access to Natural Leaf

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - (August 10, 2026) The Dutchess County Legislature voted unanimously this evening at their Legislative Board meeting to ban the sale and distribution of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, the potent, lab-enhanced kratom derivatives increasingly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, often in candy-like packaging. The measure targets the dangerous concentrates and lab-made analogs while preserving the right of adults to access natural kratom leaf for its traditional uses. The ban will go into effect once it’s signed by the County Executive and filed with the Secretary of State.

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

08/11/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislature Increases Pay for Preschool Special Ed Providers

Poughkeepsie, New York - (August 10, 2026) At their Legislative board meeting this evening the Dutchess County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution increasing the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education (PSE) Related Services by $20 per service. A total of 1,497 children are currently enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, and there are still approximately 246 additional service placements needed, due to the shortage of qualified providers. The resolution passed unanimously with the new compensation rate going into effect retroactive to July 1, 2026. Since its introduction by Legislator Emma Arnoff, a host of school superintendents from local districts and representatives from BOCES and the Childcare Council have joined an outpouring of Dutchess residents supporting the resolution.

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

08/10/2026

Monday, August 10
Legislative Board Meeting, 6:30 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

08/07/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislative Committee Votes to Increase Pay for Preschool Special Ed Providers

Poughkeepsie, New York - (August 6, 2026) At the Family and Human Services Committee meeting tonight, the Dutchess County Legislature passed a resolution increasing the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education (PSE) Related Services by $20 per service. A total of 1,497 children are currently enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, and there are still approximately 246 additional service placements needed, due to the shortage of qualified providers. The resolution passed out of committee unanimously.

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

08/07/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislature Moves to Ban Dangerous “Gas Station” Kratom Concentrates - While Protecting Adults’ Access to Natural Leaf

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Dutchess County Legislature has put forward a local law to ban the sale and distribution of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, the potent, lab-enhanced kratom derivatives increasingly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, often in candy-like packaging. The measure targets the dangerous concentrates and lab-made analogs while preserving the right of adults to access natural kratom leaf for its traditional uses.

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

08/03/2026

Thursday, August 6
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

07/21/2026

⚠️ FLASH FLOOD WARNING for west central Dutchess County until 7pm. Thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall are moving across west central Dutchess County. Flash Flooding is possible in these areas. If you are impacted by rising water, get to higher ground, away from waterways, immediately. Remember - NEVER attempt to drive across a roadway covered by water

07/21/2026

⚠️⚠️7/21/26 - NEW WEATHER WARNING:

⚡️⚡️A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for central Dutchess County until 4:30pm. ⚡️⚡️

Heavy rain, damaging winds, dangerous lightning are possible. Wind gusts could result in trees and wires coming down. NEVER approach downed wires. If storms impact your area, remain indoors, if possible.