Kemp Hannon

J. Kemp Hannon (born January 10, 1946, in Garden City, New York) is a member of the New York State Senate, (R, C, I) from Nassau County.

Hannon graduated from Chaminade High School (1963), Boston College (1967) and Fordham University School of Law (1970). He was Special Counsel to the law firm Farrell Fritz, P.C., ending the association Jan 31st, 2017. Hannon resides in Garden City, New York with his wife Bronwyn and their twin daughters, Alexandra and Madeleine.

He was previously a member of the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1989, sitting in the 182nd, 183rd, 184th, 185th, 186th, 187th and 188th New York State Legislatures. In November 1989, he was elected to the New York State Senate, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John R. Dunne.

Hannon has represented the 6th State Senate District since 1989 which covers Levittown, Massapequa, Garden City, Uniondale, Hempstead, Farmingdale, Franklin Square, Old Bethpage, Salisbury, Garden City South, Plainview, Lakeview, Plainedge, Island Trees and East Meadow.

Hannon has chaired numerous task forces, civic programs, and charitable endeavors. He has served as chairman of the prestigious Senate committees on Health and Housing, and he is regarded as the spearheading force behind both the reauthorization of the Health Care Reform Act and the development of New York's Assisted Living Program. Additionally, he helped the state enact several popular health programs including Child Health Plus, Healthy New York, Family Health Plus, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program, early intervention efforts, and insurance coverage for autism, prostate and breast cancer screenings.

In 2011, Hannon voted against the Marriage Equality Act, which the Senate passed 33-29. roll call

On January 14, 2013 Hannon voted in favor of the NY SAFE Act, which the Senate passed 43-18.

Senator Hannon visits students during the American Dental Association's "Give Kids A Smile" Day

Senator Hannon cheers on Central Nassau Softball

On June 10, 2014, Hannon earned the nickname "Hemp Kannon" after joining a minorty of just 9 other republicans who voted against New York Compassionate Care Act to authorize medical marijuana for use by the chronicly ill, such as cancer patients and those living with AIDS. The legislation passed anyway.

When questioned about his decision, Kemp said he doubted the validity of the modern system of peer reviewed trials stating "It’s the medical model that disturbs me the most.”