Under the legislation, officers could use a database to check the insurance status of a motorist who’s pulled over for a primary offense. The agency would also run periodic computerized, random checks on registered license plates.

The bill would allow employees with county tax collector’s offices to check the status when motorists come in to buy car tags. If the motorist doesn’t have insurance, the tag won’t be issued. Simpson said the problem is that the bill doesn’t require the tax collector’s office verify insurance.

Company is first in the nation to offer protection for medical marijuana growers, sellers and buyers.

Federal health care reform will require most Northern New Yorkers — but not all, it turns out — to carry health insurance or risk a fine.

Hundreds of Amish families in the region are likely to be free from that requirement.