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Updated: December 27, 2007 |
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2007 NYS Assembly Significant Legislation |
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Adult Day Beds This bill would allow for an increase in adult day beds in certain communities for a limited time frame. The measure would establish a pilot program to allow eligible facilities, with the approval of the commissioner of the Department of Health, to increase their number of adult day health-care slots by up to 12. (A.5972/S.2967; Veto 43) Geriatric Chemical Dependence Act This bill would create grants to health-care providers for the treatment of elderly New Yorkers who have been diagnosed as chemically dependent. It also would create the Interagency Council on Geriatric Chemical Dependence Services to recommend treatments for seniors with chemical dependence problems. (A.1453-A/S.2902-A; Veto 11) Cognitive Screening Upon Hospital Admission This bill would require the Department of Health in consultation with the Coordinating Council for services related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia to develop evaluation procedures for hospitals to administer as part of their patient admission process. The bill aims to promote the early detection of Alzheimer's and dementia for which too many elderly New Yorkers is an under diagnosed disease. (A.4148-B/S.2449-A; Chapter 290) Third Party Designations This bill would enable seniors to designate a third party to receive notices regarding their real property tax exemptions. (A.7051/S.2326; Chapter 434) The Senior Vision Services Program This bill would establish the Senior Vision Services Program, which, in consultation with the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH), would provide grants to not-for-profit corporations that assist seniors who are sight imparied and have difficulties in performing daily living skills and tasks, but are not legally blind. (A.897/S.522; Chapter 573) Caregiver Support Program for Grandparents This bill would create the Grandparent Caregiver Support Program. The measure would establish grandparent caregiver resource centers to provide technical assistance and training for caregiver support groups. Under the bill, the program would assist grandparents and other adult relatives over 60 years of age who provide primary care to a child related by blood or marriage. (A.965A: Passed Assembly) Financial Protections For the Elderly This bill would establish a Financial Exploitation Prevention Outreach, Education and Training Program. Under the bill, the program would initiate a communication campaign to inform financial institutions, accountants, tax preparers and attorneys on how to report known or suspected incidents of financial exploitation of the elderly. (A.6519A, Passed Assembly / S.3127-B; Rules) |
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Country of Origin This bill would require the country of origin to be identified on the labels of food products sold in New York containing beef, lamb, pork, fish, produce and peanuts. (A.1999; Passed Assembly) Honey and Beeswax Production This bill would include buildings used in the production of honey and beeswax within the real property tax exemption for structures essential to the operation of agricultural lands. (A.6524-A/S.4454-A; Chapter 540) Honeybee Population Examined This bill would authorize the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct a survey of the state's beekeepers in order to assess the size and condition of the state's honeybees and to examine the impact diseases, pests and parasites have had on the population. Under the bill, to protect against theft and tampering, the information collected by the department from commercial beekeepers would be kept confidential. Honeybees are a key component to the state's leading industry agriculture, pollinating the state's prized fruit and vegetable crops and are the source for a variety of honey products. (A.7548-A / S.4334-A; Chapter 249) Base Agricultural Assessment This law provides that the change in the base agricultural assessment values for any given year shall not exceed 10 percent of the assessment value of the preceding year. (A.6866/S. 3253-A; Chapter 68) Farmland Protection Plan This bill would allow counties to apply for funding to assist in the updating of their farmland protection plan after 10 years. (A.7232-A/S.4455-A; Chapter 124) Dumping of Agricultural Products This bill would prohibit the dumping of sub-standard or below grade agricultural products in this state. (A.8458/S.5579-A; Chapter 668) |
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Banking This bill would extend for two additional years, with the approval of the state Banking Board, provisions of the state banking law that provides state-chartered banks the same powers as national banks. (A.9260/S.4392; Chapter 322) Excelsior Linked Deposit Program The bill would authorize credit unions to participate in the Excelsior Linked Deposit Program. The program provides financial institutions with incentives to make available business loans at a percentage lower than the prevailing rate. (A.3205; Passed Assembly / S.4629; Finance) |
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Xctasy's Law This bill would require that social services workers who suspect that a child is being abused based on information provided by a person with personal knowledge of the mistreatment must file a report. This measure responds to the circumstances surrounding the tragic abuse of Xctasy Garcia, a four-year-old Schenectady County child who nearly lost her eyesight as a result of the beatings she endured. In 2006, a social services worker received a phone call from a motel manager who reported that one of his tenants suspected another tenant of abusing a child at the hotel. However, the social services worker did not report the concern to the New York State Child Abuse Hotline. (A.1693-A / S.849-A; Chapter 513) Adoption Subsidies and Adoption Registry Access The bill would expand adoption subsidies to legal custodians who are caring for a child after the death of a parent. This measure also would allow the identifying information of birth parents, whose parental rights have been terminated, to be recorded in the adoption registries of both the Department of Health and authorized adoption agencies. The legislation also would include measures to protect a parent, child or sibling who wishes not to be found. (A.8093/S.4962; Chapter 469) Protection for Mandated Reporters This bill requires mandated reporters, such as teachers, social service workers and law enforcement and medical personnel, to report incidences of suspected child abuse immediately, rather than refer the case to a supervisor. This legislation also would protect mandated reporters from retaliation by their employers for having made a report. (A.3053-A / S.3913-A; Chapter 193) Caseload Reduction This bill would authorize the Office of Children and Family Services to set regulations for workload standards based on their workload study for child protective services. The legislation aims to reduce the number of cases assigned to caseworkers thereby increasing the effectiveness and quality of services provided to children and families. (A.9010; Passed Assembly) Children Exploited By Prostitution The bill would establish services for sexually exploited youth and requires that children under the age of 16 be treated as a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS), if they are charged with prostitution. (A.5258-A; Passed Assembly) Clergy Reporting This bill would add clergy to the list of individuals who are required by law to inform the state child abuse hotline when they become aware of these types of incidences. The measure also would require information of abuse committed by an official of a religious organization to be reported to law enforcement. Under the bill, violators who fail to report incidents of child abuse would face a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. (A.1336; Passed Assembly) Protections for Incarcerated Youth This bill would enact the "SAFETY ACT" to establish policies that would ensure children in the care of the Office of Children and Family Services are being cared for in an environment free of harassment and discrimination. (A.1613; Passed Assembly) Custody of Mentally and Emotionally Disturbed Children This bill would allow parents to voluntarily place their child through a local social services agency without relinquishing custody. These children require out-of-home placements with human services agencies in order to receive adequate care for a mental or emotional disorder or for a physical disability. (A.927; Passed Assembly) |
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NYC Energy Cost Savings Program/Lower Manhattan Energy Program This bill would extend provisions of the law relating to special rebates and discounts available through the Energy Cost Savings Program and the Lower Manhattan Energy Program. (A.8132/S.5866; Chapter 255) New York City Department of Buildings This bill would authorize the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings (NYCDOB) to refuse to accept any document that has been signed by a person who has falsified documents filed under the New York City building code. This bill also would require the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to maintain a list of currently licensed and registered architects and professional engineers, and those whose licenses have been revoked or suspended. (A.7746 / S.4603; Chapter 542) Hazardous Building Violations This bill would require that the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings (NYCDOB) to maintain a list of all hazardous violations of the NYC Building Code on the department's website. Under the bill, when a hazardous condition has been identified and a violation notice issued, the commissioner will re-inspect within 60 days and continue to inspect until the violation has been corrected. (A.7800 / S.5223; Veto 152) Commercial Advertising This legislation would allow property owners to post a sign that would prohibit such commercial advertising formats as papers, fliers, pamphlets, handbills and circulars from being left on their property. Under the bill, violators would face fines of up to $5,000. (A.6247-A / S.3420; Chapter 585) |
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Katie Flynn's Law This bill would create the new crime of aggravated vehicular homicide. It would raise the crime of reckless driving from a class C felony to a class B felony, carrying a possible prison sentence of up to 25 years. It also would raise the penalty for aggravated vehicular assault from a class D felony to a class C felony, with a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years. The legislation is in response to the tragic death of seven-year-old Katie Flynn of Long Island, who was killed in an accident in 2005 by a drunk driver. (A.8791-A/S.5517-A; Chapter 345) Children's Weapon Accident Protection Act This bill would help protect children from accidental shootings by establishing new crimes involving the negligent storage of a weapon. The legislation also would require gun retailers to alert consumers about the new safe weapons storage requirements. Under the measure, individuals convicted of failing to store safely a firearm where a serious injury results could face prison sentences of up to seven years. (A.76-A; Passed Assembly) Prohibit Felons from Obtaining a Firearms License This bill would eliminate a loophole that allows a convicted felon to obtain a firearms license and possess a gun after being granted a certificate of good conduct or certificate of relief from disabilities from a parole board. (A.463/S.2663; Chapter 235) Order of Protection This bill would require that judges, when issuing an order of protection in criminal or family court proceedings, ask the involved individuals whether they possess a firearm. (A.1497 Passed Assembly/S.4416; Rules) Sniper Rifle Ban This bill would ban the civilian possession, sale and use of military style .50-caliber weapons. These sniper rifles are capable of disabling armored personnel carriers used by the military and shooting down aircraft at a range of more than a mile away. (A.2772; Passed Assembly/S.2411; Codes) Criminal Weapon Possession This bill would make possessing armor piercing, frangible or devastator ammunition a felony. (A.3447; Passed Assembly/S.2002; Codes) Expended Projectiles and Shell Casings enforcement officers to submit expended projectiles and shell casings and guns to the state police pistol and revolver ballistic identification electronic databank. (A.3451; Passed Assembly/S.3009; Finance) Assault Weapon Ban This bill would expand the legal definition of assault weapons to strengthen the state's law that prohibits possessing these deadly, military-style guns. (A.7331; Passed Assembly) Racial and Ethnic Profiling This bill would prohibit police officers from using racial and ethnic profiling. (A.627; Passed Assembly) Police Misconduct This bill would grant the attorney general jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute police misconduct. (A.715; Passed Assembly/S.4273; Investigations and Government Operations) Law of Searches, Arrests and Seizures This bill would address the proper execution of a warrant of arrest by establishing education programs for judicial personnel on the law of searches, arrests and seizures. (A.776; Passed Assembly) Discharge of Weapons This bill would require police officers who have discharged their weapon in the course of their employment to be tested for the presence of drugs and/or alcohol. (A.786; Passed Assembly) Dancers This bill would require certain dancers to be at least 18-years old when performing at entertainment establishments not regulated by the State Liquor Authority. (A.1174-B / S. 224-B; Chapter 160) Sex Offender Signed Verification This bill would establish procedures in the event a sex offender fails to mail a signed verification within 20 calendar days of receiving the document from the Division of Criminal Justice Services. (A.1179; Passed Assembly/S.5570; Rules) Sex Offender Registration Act This bill would expand the coverage of the Sex Offender Registration Act, also know as Megan's Law. (A.1188; Passed Assembly) Child Luring This bill would create the new crime of luring a child. Under the bill, individuals convicted of luring a child into a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, building or isolated area to commit a violent felony or felony sex offense would be charged with a class E felony punishable by up to four years in prison. (A.1668; Passed Assembly / S.5595; Codes) Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors This bill would include written communication within the offense of disseminating indecent material to minors. (A.2012/ S. 748; Chapter 8) Sexual Abuse Prevention This bill would establish a series of measures to protect victims of sexual violence, including mandatory sexual assault training of police officers and the establishment of a statewide, toll-free hotline to link sexual assault victims to local rape crisis centers. It also would require the Office of Children and Family Services to develop a program to teach child protective services workers about appropriate and effective techniques used to investigate reports of sexual abuse. (A.3148; Passed Assembly) Vulnerable Witness This bill would expand the authority of a judge to allow a child, deemed to be a vulnerable witness, to testify by way of a closed circuit television. (A.4467/S.5049; Chapter 548) Statue of Limitations This bill would extend the statute of limitations in criminal and civil actions for certain sex offenses committed against a child less than eighteen years of age. (A.4560-B; Passed Assembly/S.4614-A; Codes) Placement of Sex Offenders This bill would require the Division of Parole, the Division of Probation Alternatives and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to establish rules regarding the placement of sex offenders. The bill aims to establish guidelines for the placement of sex offenders in residential areas to ensure they pose no threat to public safety. (A.4988; Passed Assembly) Service Animals This bill would protect service animals such as guide dogs who help improve the daily lives of disabled individuals. Under the bill, violators who attack service animals could be charged with a class E felony and face a prison term of up to four years. (A.5036-A/S.255-A; Chapter 582) Predicate Felony Offense This bill would make it a felony offense to commit the crime of non-support of a child if an individual was previously convicted of that crime. (A.5347-A/S.3844-A; Chapter 310) Civil Confinement Ex-Offender Management and Treatment Act This bill would create the Sex Offender Management Act to allow mental health professionals to determine whether a detained sex offender is predisposed to commit future sex crimes. The Attorney General would be required to prove to a jury that a sex offender was a threat to public safety. After a jury trial, a judge could order the individual to be confined to a mental health facility or require the individual to undergo intensive supervision after their release from prison. The legislation also would establish treatment programs for sex offenders to undergo during incarcerations. In addition, the measure would create the Office of Sex Offender Management in the Division of Criminal Justice Services to develop policies for the treatment and management of sex offenders. (A.6162 / S.3318; Chapter 7) Drug Law Reform, Drug Treatment and Crime Reduction This bill would expand the availability of drug treatment as a potential alternative to mandatory prison for lower-level, non-violent drug offenders. It also would set a five-year minimum determinate sentence for individuals convicted of possessing a loaded firearm or disguised gun while selling or attempting to sell drugs. (A.6663-A; Passed Assembly/S.4352-A; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction) Crime Victim's Award This bill would help reduce financial hardships for crime victims by defining "necessary court appearances." The bill would allow victims to be reimbursed for the transportation costs they incur while appearing in court proceedings related to the prosecution of their attackers. (A.6675; Passed Assembly) Modification of Charges This bill would have prohibit the state police from adopting rules that would limit or prevent troopers from modifying or recommending to a court a modification of a petty violation of the vehicle traffic law. (A.6505/S.3445; Veto 65) Failure To Register As A Sex Offender Penalty This bill would increase the penalty from a class A misdemeanor to a class E felony for sex offenders who fail to register with the state's Sex Offender Registry. Under the bill, violators, who previously faced a sentence of up to one year in jail, could now be sentenced up to four years in prison. (A.7512-A/S.6277; Chapter 373) Stealing Cemetery Property This bill would make stealing property from a cemetery plot, grave, burial site or other place of interment a crime. (A.8487-A/S.5791-A; Chapter 353) Probation Detainer Warrant Pilot Project This bill would authorize certain local probation departments to issue detainer warrants for certain high-risk offenders for those occurrences when a court is not available to convene for cases of parole violations. Under the legislation, a parolee could be placed in jail pending a court appearance. The measure would establish a three-year detainer warrant pilot program in four counties that would be designated by the state director of the Department of Parole and Correction Alternatives. The measure would expire in 2010. (A.8592-B/S.6352; Chapter 377) Human Trafficking This bill would establish new crimes related to human trafficking, including the promotion of prostitution in the third-degree, a class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison, for the sale of travel services to prostitution tourists, and sex trafficking, a class B felony with a maximum sentence of up 25 years in prison, for coercing a person into prostitution. The measure also would give victims of human trafficking state social services assistance. (A.8679/S.5902; Chapter 74) Forensic DNA The bill would expand the use of DNA to convict the guilty, make greater use of DNA evidence to exonerate the innocent and reduce the incidences of wrongful convictions. This legislation was reviewed by a joint legislative conference committee, but no agreement was reached. (A.8693; Passed Assembly) Violent and Indecent Video Games This bill would prohibit the distribution of video games that promote depraved violence and indecent sexual images to minors. Under the bill, violators could face a class E felony charge of up to four years in prison. (A.8696; Passed Assembly) Cellular Phone This bill would ban the use of cellular phones to record or transmit a photo taken in a setting where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. (A.8939/S.2589; Chapter 291) Trademark Counterfeiting This bill would include the crimes of trademark counterfeiting in the first and second degree within the definition of criminal acts relating to enterprise corruption. (A.9103-A/S.6230; Chapter 568) Crackdown On Illegal Audio-Visual Recordings This bill would authorize law enforcement to use eves dropping and video surveillance to investigate crimes involving the illegal distribution of movie and music compact disks that fail to disclose who is responsible for the recording and where it was made. (A.9205/S.6241;Chapter 570) Human Immunodeficiency Virus This bill would require that individuals accused of a sex crime be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The legislation would ensure that victims of sexual assault are notified promptly as to whether they have been infected so they can seek appropriate medical treatment without delay. (A.9256/S.6357; Chapter 571) Jonathan's Law This legislation would provide parents and legal guardians with increased access to mental hygiene records and reports. The death of Jonathan, an autistic teenager from the Capital District spurred the Legislature to pass Jonathan's Law. Jonathan died while being allegedly restrained by an employee of the state operated O.D. Heck Development Center in Schenectady County where he was a patient. (A.9069 / S.6152; Chapter 271 and A.6846-A / S.3105-A; Chapter 24) Firearms License This bill would require the revocation of a firearm license and the surrender of a firearm when there is a violation of an order of protection. Under the bill, gun owners who violate an order of protection placed against them could have their gun license terminated and be required to turn in their firearm. (A.618 / S.4066; Chapter 198) Child Proofing Firearms This bill would ban the sale of firearms that are not equipped with child proof features. Under the bill, pistols and revolvers could not be sold in the state unless they were designed in a way to prevent their operation by a child. (A.829; Passed Assembly) |
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Identity Theft Package Crack Down on Identity Theft This bill would establish an Identify Theft Prevention and Mitigation Unit within the state's Consumer Protection Board. Under the bill, the unit would have the ability to work with victims of identity theft, performing investigations and resolving complaints. It also would assist victims with clearing their records of fraudulent activity and re-establishing their credit. (A.217-B/S.5046-A; Veto 76) Social Security Number Protection This bill would limit the ability of businesses to require consumers to disclose their social security numbers (SSN). Under the bill, firms that request an individual's social security number must explain whether the disclosure of the number is mandatory or voluntary and how the number will be used. (A.334; Passed Assembly/S.2528; Consumer Protection) Debt Collectors This bill would require debt collectors to include in their correspondence to consumers a written notice of a consumer's rights as provided by the law. (A.221; Passed Assembly/S.5044; Consumers) Radio Frequency Identification Technology This bill would establish a task force on the privacy implications of radio frequency identification technology. The legislation would address the growing use of Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIT's) placed on products by major retailers and other businesses to track consumer movement and establish shopper profiles. (A.225-B; Passed Assembly/S.165-B; Finance) Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act This bill would enact the "Wireless Telephone Service Consumer Protection Act." The measure would establish wireless telephone service standards that would be enforced by the State Consumer Protection Board. (A.2030; Passed Assembly/S.3293; Energy and Telecommunications) Immigrant Provider License This bill would establish a state license requirement for immigrant providers. The bill aims to prevent immigrants from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals who assist new arrivals as they work to establish their lives in this state. (A.3253/S.4306; Chapter 208) Retailers of Swimming Pools This bill would require retailers that sell temporary and permanent swimming pools to notify pool owners at the point of purchase of their responsibility to equip their pool with a barrier to prevent drowning incidents. (A.723-A/S.5933; Chapter 100) 911 Disclosure This bill would require voice over Internet telephone providers to disclose to consumers whether the phone service they are purchasing allows them to dial 911 to contact emergency and rescue agencies. (A.7592-A/S.4611-A; Chapter 329) Online Shopping Protections This bill would ensure that online and e-mail purchases are subject to the same consumer protections laws that apply to goods and services sold through the mail or by telephone. (A.7649/S.4964, Chapter 72) Debt Collection Procedures This bill would require debt collection companies to stop seeking payment from a consumer who provides a police report alleging that he or she is a victim of identity theft. Under the bill, consumers who file a false report could be found guilty of a misdemeanor. (A.8152; Passed Assembly) Debt Collection Agency This bill would require all third party debt collection agencies to be licensed by the Department of State (DOS). The measure aims to protect consumers from threatening, unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. Under the bill, a list of the state's licensed debt collection businesses would be posted on DOS's web site. (A.8153-A; Passed Assembly) False Advertising This bill would increase the limits of damages available in an action for false advertising. Under the measure, violators would face fines of up to $10,000. (A.8611/S.4589; Chapter 328) Funeral Directors This bill would make permanent the existing prohibition that bans funeral directors from receiving a commission or an insurer to pay a commission for the sale of pre-need funeral insurance. (A.215; Passed Assembly /S.3887; Rules) Ban On Funeral Commission Extended This bill would extend for five years the prohibition that bars funeral directors from receiving a commission or an insurer to pay a commission for the sale of pre-need funeral insurance. (A.8695 / S.5952; Chapter 78) False Advertising Fine Hiked This bill would increase the maximum civil penalty for businesses convicted of committing deceptive and false advertising practices from $500 to $5,000. (A.3253 / S.4306; Chapter 208) Do Not Call List This bill would ban telemarketers from calling a consumer whose telephone number has been listed on the Federal Trade Commission's National "Do-Not-Call" Registry for 31-days. (A.7648 / S.3543; Chapter 69) Finger Printing Employees This bill would allow employees of commodity exchanges to be fingerprinted as the law currently allows for employees of the financial securities industry. The legislation is a security measure aimed at protecting the vital and strategic role the exchanges play in our state and nation's economy. (A.8361/S.4056; Chapter 533) Airline Passenger Rights This bill would establish an airline passenger bill of rights to assist passengers who are seated in an aircraft for more than three hours waiting for takeoff. Under the bill, airline carriers must provide passengers with such services as fresh air and lights, waste removal, adequate food and drinking water. The legislation also would allow the state Attorney General to impose a fine of up to $1,000 or $1,000 per passenger for failure to provide the required services. (A.8406-B / S.5050-C; Chapter 472) |
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Albany Convention Center Authority This bill would allow the Albany Convention Center Authority to take advantage of the construction management expertise of the Dormitory Authority. (A.5636; Passed Assembly/S.3051; Corporations) Telephone Access This bill would establish a statewide program for telephone access for all New Yorkers, including the hearing and visually impaired. (A.7102; Passed Assembly/S.2164; Rules) Shareholder Democracy This bill would authorize shareholders of a company's stock to attend meetings via remote communication. Under the bill, shareholders would be deemed present and eligible to vote at investor meetings. (A.1350; Passed Assembly/S.2152-A; Rules) Nuclear Power Plant Costs This bill would require the Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine the actual costs and fiscal impact a local government would incur to plan, maintain and implement a radiological emergency preparedness plan for nuclear generating facilities. (A.1370; Passed Assembly/S.251; Energy and Telecommunications) Domestic Violence Prevention This bill would provide free unlisted telephone numbers to victims of domestic violence who have a court order of protection. (A.2934; Passed Assembly/S.1518; Energy and Telecommunications) Public Authorities Reform Act of 2007 This bill would strengthen the oversight and administration of the state's public authorities with a series of reform measures that include the creation of the Independent Office of Public Authority Accountability; establishing a statutory fiduciary duty owed by board members to the authorities; requiring the state Comptroller to approve certain public authority contracts; prohibiting state public authorities from forming subsidiaries in most cases; and strengthening other controls and requirements. (A.9296; Passed Assembly) |
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Education on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Prison This bill would require all correctional education programs instruct prisoners about the prevention of "Shaken Baby Syndrome." (A.316-B/S.4834-A; Chapter 98) Early Parole for Deportation for Non-Violent Drug Offenders This bill provides that a non-violent inmate serving a determinate term of imprisonment will be considered for early parole for deportation purposes. This bill is another step in Rockefeller Drug Law reform. It clarifies that drug offenders who are serving a determinate term of imprisonment are eligible for early parole for deportation purposes. (A.3286/S.6228; Chapter 239) Sealing of Youthful Offender and Non-Criminal Records This bill prevents the inappropriate disclosure or use by employers of sealed information about records of arrests that did not result in a criminal conviction, either by youthful offender adjudication or sealed non-criminal dispositions. (A.3379-A/S.3092; Chapter 639) Inmate Telephone Rates This bill would enforce the provisions expressed in the 2007-08 SFY budget to ensure that billing rates for inmate telephone services remain reasonably priced and accessible. (A.3397-B/S705-B; Chapter 240) Privatization of Jails and Prisons This bill prohibits the private ownership or operation of state and local correctional facilities. (A.4484-B/S.4118-B; Chapter 202) Solitary Confinement of Seriously Mentally Ill Inmates This bill prohibits the placement of inmates with serious mental illness in solitary confinement and requires that all inmates placed in solitary confinement receive mental health assessments. (A.4870-C/ S.333-B; Passed both houses) Transfer of Probation Supervision The bill establishes that when probation supervision is transferred from one county to another, there is a complete transfer of probation responsibilities to the receiving jurisdiction. (A.8198/S.3886; Chapter 191) Inmate Work for Non-Profit This bill is a constitutional amendment which would allow the Legislature to enact legislation that allows prisoners to voluntarily work for nonprofit organizations. (A.8583/ S.6079; Delivered to Secretary of State) Birth Certificates for Released Inmates This bill provides that no fee will be charged when a state prison or local correctional facility requests a certified birth certificate for an inmate. (A.8911; Passed Assembly) Temporary Emergency Housing This bill would require the commissioners of county social services departments to notify law enforcement agencies when a homeless sex offender is placed in temporary emergency housing. Under the bill, the police would have to be notified by the county within 24 hours of a sex offender's placement in such a facility. (A.9044/S.5526-A; Veto 67) General Equivalency Diploma This bill would provide inmates the opportunity to obtain a general equivalency diploma. (A.7764-A; Passed Assembly) |
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Empire Zone Reforms The bill would authorize a review of the Empire Zone program to determine whether businesses receiving benefits are to be subjected to a cost-benefit test. This bill would ensure that the companies participating in the program provide the level of jobs and investments that is appropriate to the tax credits being awarded by the state. The legislation also would approve the re-test of businesses that reincorporated in order to receive Empire Zone grants and decertify those that used the program only to receive lucrative benefits without creating any new jobs. (A.9125, Passed Assembly) Power for Jobs Program This legislation would provide a one-year extender and require the New York Power Authority to provide $30 million of low-cost power, thereby assuring businesses the Power for Jobs Program will continue for at least one year. (A.9255 / S.6179; Chapter 91 and A.9254 / S.5826; Chapter 89) Financial Service Industry This bill would provide incentives for the location of back-office facilities and operations of the financial industry within New York State, as well as funding to support infrastructure for resiliency and redundancy systems for the financial services market. (A.9132; Passed Assembly) RESTORE Program This bill would increase the $100 million in state funds for the RESTORE New York's Communities initiative by providing an additional $50 million to help communities with poorly performing economies recover and restore abandoned, vacant and dilapidated properties for economic-development purposes. (A.9128; Passed Assembly) Minority, Women Owned Businesses This bill would require municipalities that receive RESTORE awards to give priority to minority and women contractors or locally-based contractors. It also would require contractors to first consider local residents for any job openings that are created. (A.9161; Passed Assembly) Job Creation Followup This bill would require the Empire State Development Corporation to follow-up on job creation projects within five years of an employer's receipt of financial assistance from the state. (A.9130; Passed Assembly) Job Development Authority Loans This bill would direct the Job Development Authority to provide loans to businesses for infrastructure projects such as telecommunications, linkages and upgrades to spur Upstate economic growth. (A.9126; Passed Assembly) Micro Businesses This bill would establish the micro business outreach center to provide firms that employ less than five employees with the knowledge and tools they need to be competitive. Under the measure, individuals without access to traditional sources of finance could access the centers for information about business plans, loan programs and how to operate a business. (A.2766; Passed Assembly / S.1338; Finance) |
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Burden of Proof This bill places the burden of proof with the school district or state agency at an impartial hearing to determine whether a student with disabilities has received the appropriate educational services required by law. Under the measure, the burden of proof would not be placed on a student's parent or guardian to prove that their son or daughter has not been provided the proper educational services. This legislation provides that burden of proof is only placed on the parent or guardian when he or she is seeking tuition reimbursement for an alternative educational placement that was not agreed upon by the school district or state agency. (A.5396-A/S.5972-A; Chapter 583) Financial Disclosure Requirements This bill would authorize the Board of Education of the New York City School District to determine what financial information must be disclosed by a candidate or member of a Community District Education Council. The legislation aims to address parent participation in their Community Education Council by providing local discretion while maintaining an important accountability tool. (A.9030/S.1666-A; Chapter 285) NYC School Construction Authority This bill would require the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) to provide a public notice regarding the proposed site plan for leased space to be used as an educational facility and to file the plan with the City Council for their review. The measure also would require the community education council of the affected community school district and the local community board to each hold a hearing on such a proposal. (A.8838; Passed Assembly) Dignity for All Students Act This bill would enact the "Dignity for All Students Act" to prevent harassment and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex in public schools. (A.3496; Passed Assembly/S.1571; Education) Deaf, Deaf-blind or Hard of Hearing This bill creates a New York State Interagency Coordinating Council of the deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing. This council will work to ensure that individuals with these disabilities have access to services such as housing, transportation, medical, personal care and technology support. (A.2461-A/S.1923-A; Chapter 174) Board of Education Members - Training Course This bill would require every first-year trustee or voting member of a board of education of a school district or a board of cooperative educational services to complete a training course approved by the State Education Department (SED). This training would make new board members aware of their board's responsibilities, powers and functions. (A.2469; Passed Assembly) Surplus Fund Balance This bill increases the amount of funds school districts may retain as their surplus fund balance from two percent to three percent during the 2007-08 school year and up to four percent beginning in the 2008-09 school year. (A.3249-A/S.1465-B; Chapter 238) Increasing Access to School Meals This bill would require the Commissioner of Education to disseminate information on best practices utilized by school districts and schools which simplify access and eliminate the distinction between students receiving a free or reduced price meal and those paying a full price. (A.8699-A; Passed Assembly/S.6040; Rules) School Vehicles - Limiting Idling This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish regulations by July 1, 2008 requiring school district to minimize the idling of school vehicles in front of schools and on school grounds. These regulations will apply to school districts with a significant number of children with asthma and others the Commissioner of Education deems appropriate. The Commissioner of Education also will be required to provide school districts with a notice detailing the idling restrictions so school districts can notify their employees. (A.8486-B/S5973-B; Chapter 670) |
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Physically Disabled Voters This bill would require polling places to be accessible to physically disabled voters. The legislation would ensure that disabled voters are able to exercise their right to vote in a fair and equitable fashion. (A.244; Passed Assembly) Voting Machine Deadline This bill would change the deadline for the required replacement of the lever voting machine from September 1, 2007 to March 1, 2008. (A.9264; Passed Assembly) Presidential Primary This bill would set New York State's primary for U.S. President and Vice President for Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Under the bill, the state's presidential primary would be moved from the previous date of the first Tuesday in March. (A.6430 / S.3544; Chapter 17) |
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Power Plant Siting, Article X This bill would reinstate a statewide power plant siting process, granting the Public Service Commission oversight for approving the construction and location of new electric generation facilities. The original Article X Law expired in 2003 and amendments included in this bill would ensure greater protection of public health and the environment. This legislation would also require a comprehensive statewide energy plan to ensure access to safe and reliable sources of electricity. This legislation was reviewed by a joint legislative conference committee, but no agreement was reached. (A.8697; Passed Assembly) State Green Building Construction Act This bill would require any new construction or substantial renovation of state buildings to comply with the United States Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Rating and Standards. (A.2005-B; Passed Assembly) Net Metering Overhaul This bill would expand the solar net metering programs by allowing all classes of a utility's customers to participate. Residential customer generators would have the ability to net meter up to 25 kw and receive credit at the corporation's retail rate. Under the bill, commercial customer generators would be allowed to net meter up to a level that is less than their peak load or 2 mw. (A.8690-A; Passed Assembly, recalled from Senate for amendments, restored to third reading) Facilities Of Refuge/ Distributed Generation This bill would create facilities of refuge throughout the state to ensure the public has access to electricity, heat and other necessary utility services in times of disruption due to natural or man-made disasters. The legislation would encourage the utilization of new technologies, such as clean cogeneration, to protect the public and meet some of the energy needs of the system. This program would receive financial support from the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in order to reduce the burden on localities for the integration of these facilities into local disaster preparedness plans. (A.2282; Passed Assembly) Intervenor Funding for Proposed Transmission Facilities This bill would require that any entity who has submitted an application to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to build a new major transmission facility to deposit fees in an intervenor account. The intervenor funds would then be available to communities and municipalities that may not have the financial resources to ensure their voices are heard throughout the regulatory process to construct these facilities. The size of the project would determine the amount in the intervenor account, but it would not exceed $450,000. (A.6616; Passed Assembly) Emergency Response Plans This bill would require gas and electric corporations to prepare plans that address service interruptions in order to minimize the damages to customers and residents in the affected service area. (A.4600; Passed Assembly). Rural Cooperatives This bill would allow rural electric cooperatives to provide power choices to additional customers by establishing a mutual agreement provision. Under the legislation, the agreement would be worked out either by the cooperative and the utility company, or the PSC in order to create a more equitable playing field for the cooperative with investor-owned and municipal utilities (A.5058; Passed Assembly). |
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Environmental Protection Fund This bill would authorize funding for the Environmental Protection Fund to be increased by up to $300 million. The EPF was established in 1993 for capital projects that support clean air and water, protect the state's environment and preserve open spaces and farmland. (A.8339/S.5304; Chapter 258) Climate Change Task Force This legislation would create the New York State Climate Change Task Force. Under the bill, the task force would hold statewide public hearings to develop a plan on how the state should respond to climate change and its impact on the environment. (A.7367/S.5427-A; Veto 114) Vehicle Global Warming Labels This bill would require that vehicle global warming index labels be affixed to motor vehicles manufactured for the model year 2009 and for subsequent model years. These labels would disclose a vehicle's fuel efficiency and its score on the global warming index. The measure would inform consumers of a vehicle's impact on air quality by requiring the disclosure of an automobile's total carbon emission level. (A.8839-A/S.4833-A; Chapter 466) State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) The bill would allow individuals to challenge SEQRA determinations without regard to whether the project affects an individual or the public at large. (A.1435; Passed Assembly / S.5182; Environmental Conservation) Smart Growth The bill would establish the state Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act to ensure that the use of state funds for infrastructure projects is consistent with "smart growth principles." The legislation aims to ensure that the development of land is done in a way that uses existing infrastructure and is compatible with the development plans of local governments and also makes economic and environmental sense. (A.7335; Passed Assembly / S.4369; Environmental Conservation) Environmental Justice This bill would require the DEC to consider environmental justice issues when conducting the state environmental quality review process. Under the bill, DEC also would be required to publish a list of those areas in the state that are most adversely affected by existing environmental hazards. (A.2002; Passed Assembly) State Pesticide Phase-out This bill would phase out the use of pesticides on state property and in state property pest management procedures. It would require the DEC to develop a pest management plan that identifies methods for monitoring pest populations and compile a list of the least toxic pesticides that are to be used before January 1, 2008. To help state agencies comply with the total pesticide phase out, DEC would be mandated to identify non-chemical pest control strategies for use after that date. (A.1142; Passed Assembly) Urban Pesticide Use This bill would establish an Urban Pesticide Board to investigate the sale and use of industrial strength pesticides in urban areas. The board would also make recommendations to the governor and Legislature regarding the enforcement of existing restrictions and educate the public about the hazards of using pesticides in the home. (A.5299; Passed Assembly / S.1560; Environmental Conservation) Home Heating System Tax Credits This bill would extend tax credits for the replacement of a home heating system with a star rated energy unit for two years. It also would continue, for four years, the credit available to personal income and corporate franchise taxpayers when a bio-heat system is used to heat a home. (A.7909/S.5451; Veto 115) New York State Lighting Efficiency and Toxics Reduction Act This bill would enact the "New York State Lighting Efficiency and Toxics Reduction Act," requiring DEC to establish a plan to promote energy efficient lighting and phasing out the use of inefficient lighting methods and devices over the next 10 years. It also would require DEC to establish a program to eliminate the use of toxic materials in lighting products and promote manufacturer responsibility for the safe disposal and recycling of hazardous lighting products. (A.8641-B; Passed Assembly) Climate Change Solutions Program Act This legislation would address concerns about global warming and the need for the state to reduce its hydrocarbon emission levels with measures that would create a Climate Change Solutions Program. The bills would require that state funds raised from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) be used for supporting energy efficiency programs. The funds also would be used to promote energy efficiency, enhance the state's air quality and develop clean, renewable sources of energy. (A.7365; Passed Assembly/S.5347; Environmental Conservation) (A.7366; Passed Assembly / S.5371; Environmental Conservation) Well Water Testing This bill would require the testing of private wells upon the sale or transfer of real property as well as periodic well testing on properties that are leased. The legislation would help inform property owners and tenants about the quality of the water that is available in their homes. (A.7231; Passed Assembly / S.5032: Environmental Conservation) Wetland Protections This bill would strengthen and enhance the state's wetland protection laws by expanding DEC's regulatory jurisdiction. The current law restricts DEC's oversight of wetlands to areas that exceed 12.4 acres. Under the bill, DEC would be authorized to oversee wetland areas of one acre (or smaller, if adjacent to a body of water or of special significance), in order to ensure the continued protection of wetlands, which were previously regulated by the federal government. (A.7133; Passed Assembly / S.3835; Environmental Conservation) Community Preservation Act This bill would authorize cities and towns in New York State to adopt, after a referendum, a transfer tax on real property transactions of up to two percent for the purpose of establishing a community preservation fund to be used for land conservation and historic preservation. (A.7333; Passed Assembly) Open Burning This bill would prohibit the open burning of household waste which has been shown to release a myriad of toxic pollutants into the air. (A.5457; Passed Assembly) Local Recycling This bill would clarify the obligations of waste haulers regarding the handling of recyclable materials and specify materials that are to be separated for recycling. It also would specify materials which must be included under local recycling laws. (A.3318; Passed Assembly) Plastic Bag Reuse and Recycling Act This bill would enact the "Plastic Bag Reuse and Recycling Act." (A.8810-B; Passed Assembly/S.6253; Rules) |
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Comparable Worth This bill would prohibit public employers from compensating employees of opposite sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth. Under the bill, wage inequality would be prevented by compensating employees in state service equally for work of comparable value. Under the bill, wage inequality based on sex, race, or national origin would be eliminated. (A.7407; Passed Assembly) |
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Ethics Reform Legislation This bill would establish a series of reforms to the state's lobbying and ethics laws, including a ban on gifts from lobbyists to legislators and the creation of a comprehensive ethics agency to ensure the integrity of state government. It also would prohibit public officials from being paid for speeches, and it forbids elected officials and candidates for elected local, state or federal office from appearing in taxpayer-funded advertisements. (A.3736-A / S.2876; Chapter 14) Reasonable Attorney's Fees, Costs, and Exemplary Damages This bill would permit the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees in court actions that involve discriminatory practices that violate the state's human rights law. (A.609; Passed Assembly/S.3662; Government Operations) Class Actions This bill would direct the Division of Human Rights to establish rules for complaints that would allow unlawful discriminatory practices to be filed as class action lawsuits. (A.716; Passed Assembly/S.2160; Government Operations) Social Security Number (SSN) Identification Restrictions This bill would limit the use of social security numbers by a public employer for the identification of employees. Under the legislation, public employers would be required to notify an employee in writing whether disclosure of their SSN is voluntary or mandatory. It also would require that when a SSN is voluntarily provided, the employer must disclose to the employee how the number will be used. (A.1108/S.4393; Veto 78) Open Meetings This bill would allow open meetings of a public body to be photographed, broadcast and recorded by audio or video in a way that is reasonable and not disruptive to the deliberations. (A.1111; Passed Assembly / S.2053; Investigations and Government Operations) Genetics Advisory Council This bill would establish a genetics advisory council to advise the governor and Legislature regarding a range of services concerning genetic tests, information access, privacy and counseling. Under the measure, the council would address the many medical advancements that have occurred through the study of genetics as well as concerns about how genetic information is used. (A.3284; Passed Assembly/S.1633; Rules) Mentor-Protégé Programs This bill would require designated state agencies, departments or authorities to establish mentor-protégé programs for small, minority and women-owned businesses. (A.3392; Passed Assembly/S.5198; Finance) Public Employee Ethics Reform This bill would ban gifts from lobbyists to legislators, toughen penalties for ethics and lobbying law violations and create a permanent watchdog agency, the Commission on Public Integrity. The measure also would prohibit public officials from being paid for speeches and forbid elected officials and candidates for elected local, state or federal office from appearing in taxpayer-funded advertisements. (A.3736-A / S.2876; Chapter 14) State Fire Administrator This bill would require the State Fire Administrator to provide training programs that are available on video or computer. The measure would make it easier to train firefighters and ambulance personnel. (A.4251-A/S.5793; Chapter 580) Fire Prevention and Control This bill would authorize the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to set standards to enhance the safety of live fire training for firefighters. The measure would ensure that minimum safety and training standards are met by the participants being trained and the live burn training facilities where these exercises are conducted. (A.7954; Passed Assembly/S.4839; Finance) Discriminatory Practice This bill would make it a discriminatory practice to compensate employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth. (A.6959-A; Passed Assembly) WTC Site Relief Workers This bill would ensure that relief workers and traumatized bystanders who were within a 10-block radius of the World Trade Center site when the attack occurred continue to have their counseling services reimbursed until December 31, 2007. (A.6621 / S.3039; Chapter 21) Emergency Construction Contracts This bill would increase from $200,000 to $300,000, the value of construction contracts the state's Office Of General Services may enter into, when an emergency arises, without complying with the contract bidding process. (A.8632/S.3667-A; Chapter 84) Discriminatory Practices This bill would ban discriminatory practices against persons with a disability on the basis of the use of a guide dog, hearing dog or service dog. (A.7952/S.4236; Chapter 133) Electronic State Documents This bill would require the state Office For Technology to develop an electronic document policy for the state, regarding appropriate government controls, document preservation and public access. (A.8961/S.5599-A; Chapter 477) |
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Stem Cell Research This bill would establish the New York State Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Support Act. The legislation would dedicate $600 million for stem-cell research, providing state funds for the development of new treatments, prevention methods and even potential cures for many debilitating diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injuries and diabetes. (A.4308-C / S.2108-C; Chapter 58) Timothy's Law Expansion The bill extends the same rights for health insurance coverage for mental-health and chemical-and substance-abuse services to the state's Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus programs. This coverage also was put into place for private insurance companies when Timothy's Law was enacted earlier this year. (A.8617; Passed Assembly / S.5929; Mental Health) Emergency Contraception This bill would allow women needing Emergency Contraception (EC), or the morning after-pill, to access it through a pharmacist or registered nurse without a prescription. (A.5569; Passed Assembly/S.3579; Higher Education) Medical Use of Marijuana This bill would permit patients who suffer from serious illnesses to use marijuana while under the care of a physician. (A.4867-A; Passed Assembly) Gifts to Certain Health Care Practitioners This bill would require pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and wholesales to annually disclose all gifts to certain health care practitioners. The measure also would require the state Department of Health to collect information on what pharmaceutical companies spend to market prescription drugs and publish a free guide for consumers to learn about the gifts pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and wholesalers provide to health-care providers. (A.7468, Passed Assembly / S. 2971, Health) Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention This bill would establish an age-appropriate sex education grant program within the Department of Health for school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, school-based health centers, and community-based organizations. Under the bill, the program would emphasize the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. (A.2856; Passed Assembly / S.1342, Rules) Cancer Treatment and Prevention The Assembly adopted a series of measures related to cancer treatment and research and prevention that would:
Child Health Plus / Family Health Plus The Assembly passed legislation intended to improve the availability and access to health care for beneficiaries of Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus, including bills that would:
Hepatitis C Prevention This bill would establish the Hepatitis C Advisory Council within the Department of Health to advise the Commissioner of Health on the implementation of a comprehensive hepatitis C program. This measure also would require the council to evaluate the state's system for screening and detecting hepatitis C. (A.8631 / S.6142; Veto 48) Eating Disorders This bill would establish distinct licensure categories for the treatment of eating disorders by community residence facilities known as Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating Disorders (CCCED). Under the bill, the Office of Mental Health would be required to develop regulations for these new categories to ensure the adults, teenagers and children who are being treated for an eating disorder receive the care they need to make a full recovery. (A.9191 / S.6159-A; Chapter 676) Drug Overdose Prevention This bill would enact the Drug Overdose Prevention Act that would require the Commissioner of Health to gather and report information related to drug overdose prevention, recognition and treatment. (A.3842 / S.5943; Veto 135) Health Care Proxy / DNR This bill would require the Department of Health to conduct a public awareness campaign and outreach program to inform New Yorkers about how important it is for consumers and patients to designate a health-care proxy. (A.8827 / S.4992-A; Chapter 471) Lead Poisoning Protections The Assembly approved legislation aimed at protecting the public from the harmful effects of lead, including legislation that would:
Health Department Action Against Lead Paint Conditions This bill would require the Commissioner of Health, when an area of high risk is designated, to issue a written notice mandating that a construction operation or repair project or dangerous condition be halted or addressed when there is the threat of lead paint poisoning; conduct a hearing if there is proof of a violation that a designated dwelling fails to comply with a lead abatement order; and impose a penalty up to $2,500 for such violations. (A.513, Passed Assembly) Health Care Fees This bill would repeal the $50 fee allowed by law to be charged to patients for an external appeal application. The measure also would require a patient's health-care provider be notified of the external appeal's determination. An external appeal is available to a member of an HMO who is seeking coverage for a medical procedure that was denied by the HMO's internal review process. (A.3789; Passed Assembly) Equal Access to Health Providers for Disabled This bill would require health maintenance organizations to increase the number of medical providers under its contracts that provide medical services in a setting that is accessible to people with disabilities. (A.5291; Passed Assembly / S.5397, Rules); Immigrant Health Information This bill would require the Department of Health to contract with community based organizations and not-for-profit organizations to provide outreach, information and educational services to naturalized citizens and aliens regarding the health-care services and benefits that may be available to them through such health-coverage programs as Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus. The measure requires that information about these programs be provided in a language appropriate for each community. (A.5932, Passed Assembly) Office-Based Surgery This bill would require physicians who perform surgery in a private office setting to be fully accredited and to only perform office-based surgery in a facility that is accredited. The legislation also would require that any medical problems experienced by patients in an office-based surgical setting be reported to the Department of Health's Patient Safety Center within one business day. (A.7948-A / S. 6052-A; Chapter 365) Defibrillator Notification This bill would require buildings where a public access defibrillation unit is available to post a sign at the facility's entrance that identifies where the automated external defibrillator is located. (A.1044-A/ S.1548-A; Chapter 236) Defibrillator This bill would require all surf or bathing beaches and swimming facilities in the state to maintain on-site automated external defibrillator equipment and to provide at least one lifeguard trained in its operation. (A.2988-A, Passed Assembly / S.1344-A, Rules) Environmental Health This bill would establish guidelines for the creation of a new environmental health tracking system within the Department of Health to monitor environmental exposure and chronic diseases affecting New Yorkers. (A.1958, Passed Assembly / S.3935, Health) Emergency Medical Plan to Adverse Food Reaction This bill would require the commissioner of Health to develop an anaphylactic policy that school districts can follow during a medical emergency resulting from anaphylaxis, a rapid allergic reaction to food or other allergens that may cause death. (A.4051-A / S.298-A; Chapter 579) Food Safety Training This bill would require food service establishments to have an individual on staff during business hours that is trained and certified in the safe handling of food, including its preparation, cooking, storage, serving, delivery and disposal. (A.7865-A / S.2328-A; Chapter 635) Choking Prevention This bill would establish the Childhood Choking Prevention Act, also known as "J.T.'s Law, named after a three-year old from Long Island who choked on a hotdog purchased at a concession stand while vacationing with her family. The measure would require the state Health Department to conduct a public awareness campaign on what can be done to protect small children from choking to death. Under the bill, the department would identify foods that pose a significant choking hazard to youngsters and promote training in lifesaving procedures such as infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (A.8618 / S.3829; Chapter 628) Water Supply This bill would authorize the Commissioner of Health to assess civil penalties, not to exceed $25,000 per day, for each violation or failure to comply with any term or provision of the state Sanitary Code that affects public water supplies that serve 5,000 or more residents or any mass gatherings. (A.8099-A / S.3988-A; Chapter 602) Sexually Transmitted Diseases This bill would authorize a health care practitioner to provide antibiotic drugs to a patient's partner(s) without examining them when the patient has been diagnosed with the sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infection. (A.8730, Passed Assembly / S.6210, Rules) Smoking Prevention/Cessation The Assembly passed several bills related to efforts to reduce the use of tobacco and tobacco products. The legislation would:
Cord Blood Banking This bill would establish a Public and Private Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Program within the Department of Health. Under the bill, the program would promote public awareness of the potential benefits of public cord blood banking and research into the uses of cord blood as well as assist with pre-delivery arrangements for the banking of cord blood donations. (A.2915-B / S.1265-A; Chapter 427) Safe Patient Handling This legislation would extend for two years the safe patient handling demonstration program. Under the bill, the program will continue to collect information from health-care facilities throughout the state about the best techniques for handling patients that ensure the safety of patients and protects medical personnel from getting injured. (A.7836/S.5116; Chapter 131) |
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Student Lending Accountability Transparency Enforcement (SLATE) This bill creates the Student Lending Accountability Transparency Enforcement (SLATE) Act to prevent lenders and higher education institutions from steering students and their families into loans that are not in their best interest and engaging in practices that create conflicts of interest. (A.7950 / S. 5734; Chapter 41) Allowing Administration of Medication to Children in Day Care This bill allows day care providers to continue the current practice of administering medication and treatment to children in day care when it is at the request of a child's parent. (A.6579/S.3689; Chapter 16) Addressing Veterinarian and Vet Tech Shortages This bill extends the sunset provision that allows all otherwise qualified individuals to seek licensure in veterinary medicine and veterinary technology regardless of citizenship or residency status if they practice in a shortage area. This law also requires the State Education Department (SED) to certify that a county has a shortage of veterinarians to fill existing vacancies before being able to hire qualified individuals who are not citizens. (A.7233-B/S.4083-B; Chapter 201) Instructional Materials for Students with Disabilities This bill creates a statewide advisory council that would set guidelines and assess the needs of students with disabilities who are attending one of the state's higher education institutions to ensure instructional materials are available to them in suitable formats. (A.8997/S.5476-B; Chapter 342) TAP Change in Circumstance This bill would allow the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to make an adjustment to a student's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award after the beginning of any semester if certain extenuating circumstances occur such as active military duty, catastrophic illness and employment status changes. (A.1929-A; Passed Assembly/S.1574-A; Higher Education) Community Colleges Workforce Training Program This bill would provide an appropriation of $2 million dollars to SUNY community colleges to establish a new state skills compact course program to provide training and re-training courses for regional employees who are affected by downsizing, closure or relocation. (A.9133; Passed Assembly) Community College Technology Training Program This bill would create the Technology Employment Community Hub (TECH) centers program to award grants, up to $100,000, to community colleges to upgrade their educational, occupational, and training services. (A.9136; Passed Assembly) Community College Contract Course Funding & Workforce Development This bill would appropriate an additional $2 million dollars to SUNY community colleges for contract courses and workforce development. (A.9137; Passed Assembly) |
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Loft Law Extension The bill would extend rent protections for residents of loft apartments to May 31, 2008. Current Loft Law protections expired on May 31, 2007. (A.8694 / S.5951; Chapter 62) Housing Preservation Development (HPD) This bill would extend the authority of HPD to make loans for neighborhood improvement projects, including commercial and community facilities. (A.7757/S.3241; Chapter 250) 421-A Real Property Tax Law This legislation extends until 2010 the law that provides local real property tax exemptions for the construction of residential property in New York City pursuant to section 421-A of the Real Property Tax Law. It also reforms the law so that developers must build a larger percentage of onsite affordable housing units in order to qualify for the benefits. The 421-A housing initiative, established in 1971, has been responsible for increasing the availability of new residential buildings in New York City where there continues to be a shortage of affordable housing units. (A.4408-A / S.6141; Chapter 618 and A.9293 /S.6384; Chapter 619 and A.9305/S.6400; Chapter 620) Mitchell-Lama Tenant Protections The bill would protect tenants living in Mitchell-Lama housing developments by prohibiting owners from seeking a rent increase, based on unique and peculiar circumstances, when a project withdraws from the program. (A.352; Passed Assembly/S.5245; Housing) Extending Buy Out Period This bill would extend from 20 to 50 years the time when certain limited-profit housing companies may buy out of the Mitchell-Lama Program. The bill aims to ensure that building owners do not set rental rates that would make the units unaffordable. (A.793; Passed Assembly) Rent Stabilization This bill would ensure that when a Mitchell-Lama project leaves the program, its units become rent-stabilized. (A.795; Passed Assembly/S.4250; Housing) Buy Out Notification This bill would require companies that have participated in the Mitchell-Lama loan program to notify tenants at least six months in advance of a building's return to private ownership so tenants will be aware of the change in their rental status. (A.797; Passed Assembly) Would-be Interim Multiple Dwellings This bill would prohibit interruption of services in "would-be" interim multiple dwellings. (A.2875; Passed Assembly) Interim Multiple Dwellings This bill would expand the Loft Law to include buildings occupied for residential purposes for 12 consecutive months between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006. Currently, loft law protections generally apply to buildings occupied for residential purposes in the early 1980s. (A.4726; Passed Assembly) Rent Increase Limit This bill would reduce the amount that a landlord could increase the rent for a rent regulated apartment from 20 percent to 10 percent. It also would limit rent increases to no more than one a year. (A.2894; Passed Assembly) Emergency Housing Rent Control Act This bill would remove provisions in the law that prevent the City of New York from strengthening rent regulation laws and making them more comprehensive than state laws. (A.4069; Passed Assembly/S.1673; Housing) Major Capital Improvements Rent Surcharges This bill would establish a methodology for determining rent charges for a seven year period for major capital improvements. (A.6510; Passed Assembly) Domestic Violence and Lease Termination This bill would authorize a judge to terminate a residential lease agreement involving a victim of domestic violence. Under the bill, victims could be released from a lease when a judge determines that it is in the interest of the victim's safety to move to a safer location. (A.3386 / S.1922; Chapter 73) Disabled Vets and Mitchell-Lama Waiting List Preference This bill would grant a preference to disabled veterans seeking housing in Mitchell-Lama projects. (A.5812-A/S.304-A; Chapter 420) |
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Small Business Health Insurance This bill would expand the availability of health insurance to small businesses under the state's Health Care Reform Act 2000 (HCRA). The measure would ensure that small businesses that discontinue providing private health insurance for their employees can provide coverage to their workers through HCRA. (A.395; Passed Assembly/S.6385; Rules) Insured Future Lawful Travel Destination This bill would prohibit insurance companies from denying accidental or life insurance coverage based on a person's expected travel to a future destination. (A.8648; Passed Assembly) |
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Gay Marriage This bill would recognize the marriage of same-sex couples and does not require members of the clergy to officiate at any marriage ceremony. (A.8590; Passed Assembly / S.5884; Judiciary) Granting of Divorce This bill would authorize the granting of a divorce after three months of separation pursuant to a separation decree, judgment or agreement under certain circumstances. (A.6418; Passed Assembly/S.2447; Rules) Slavery In State's Early History This bill acknowledges that the institution of slavery was an appalling tragedy in the history of New York State. (A.273-B; Passed Assembly) Orders of Custody This bill would require the courts to review the registries for child abuse and maltreatment, orders of protection, warrants of arrest and sex offender registries before issuing orders of custody. (A.7329-A/S.4877-A; Veto 137) Justice Court This bill would authorize the state's chief administrative judge to temporarily assign to a justice court a judge from another town, village or city court. (A.7374/S.4257; Chapter 321) Single Town Court This bill would authorize two or more towns to form a contiguous geographic area in order to establish a single town court. The measure would be a cost saving measure for more municipalities because the current law only permits two towns to jointly operate a single town court. (A.2582/S.376; Chapter 237) Justice Court Assistance Program This bill would raise the annual grant ceiling for the justice court assistance program from $20,000 to $30,000. (A.7369/S.4246; Chapter 127) Training for Justices This bill would establish for the first time a statewide training and education curriculum for justices and non-judicial personnel of town and village courts. The measure would implement the New York State Court of Appeals Chief Justice and Administrative Judge Judith Kaye's 2006 Action Plan for the Justice Courts initiative. (A.7375; Passed Assembly/S.4222; Rules) Thirteenth Judicial District This bill would create a 13th judicial district of the Supreme Court in the County of Richmond in order to better and more efficiently provide for the needs of the county's growing population. (A.2688-B/S.1325-B; Delivered to Governor) Family Offense Proceedings This bill would add crimes of criminal mischief to the jurisdiction of family court which frequently encounters cases where these types of offers have been committed. (A.8854-A/S.4542-A; Chapter 541) District Court Judge This bill would propose a constitutional amendment to allow a district court judge to serve as a family court judge in the judicial district of his or her residence. (A.6022/S.2068; Delivered to the Secretary of State) Health Care Decisions This bill would allow guardians to be appointed for mentally retarded or developmentally disabled persons for the purpose of making end of life and health care decisions. (A.3583-B/S.756-B; Chapter 105) Protecting the Disabled This bill would protect disabled persons who are receiving services or benefits as a result of their health conditions from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals or companies. The measure would safeguard disabled individuals from benefit providers that impose such onerous or unreasonable conditions as continuous requests to undergo medical examinations and provide medical documentation as a condition for the payment of benefits. (A.480; Passed Assembly.) Debt Collection This bill aims to protect New Yorkers from inappropriate debt collection tactics by establishing a private right of action that will allow for the effective enforcement of the state's laws against improper debt collection procedures. (A.1865; Passed Assembly) Reproductive Medicine This bill would address concerns related to the emerging field of reproductive medicine involving in-vitro procedures. The legislation establishes a framework for the advanced written consent and directives concerning transfer, use, disposition of cryopreserved embryos or gametes. (A.2531; Passed Assembly) Medical Bill Payments - This bill establishes a liability for Health Maintenance Organizations for the delay, failure or refusal to approve, provide, or arrange for the timely payment of health care services. (A.2930; Passed Assembly) Family Court Representation This bill requires the Chief Judge of the Office of Court Administration to create guidelines which limit the number of children a law guardian may represent in family court. (A.6847-B / S. 4025; Chapter 626) Adoption Orders from Foreign Countries This bill would recognize adoption orders from foreign countries. Under the legislation, foreign adoptions would receive the same benefits and rights that are given to adoptions in New York State. (A.2019-A; Passed Assembly/S.2899; Rules) Private Adoptions This bill requires that a copy of the consent and surrender document in private-placement adoptions be provided to the adopting parents. (A.7410-B / S.3004-B; Chapter 680) |
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Wicks Law The legislation would bring about lower construction costs for state and local government public-works projects. The bill would extensively alter the Wicks Law by increasing the statute's $50,000 threshold for the first time in more than 40 years. Under the reforms, the project cost levels, at which the law would apply, are increased to $3 million in the Downstate region, $1.5 million in the suburbs and $500,000 Upstate. (A.9204; Passed Assembly/S.6146-A; Rules) Workers' Compensation Reform This bill would reform the workers' compensation system in the state by increasing the benefits to injured workers and reducing employer costs by 10 to 15 percent. Under the measure, the weekly benefit for injured workers will be increased from $400 to $500 in the first year, $550 in the second year, $600 in the third year and two-thirds of the average weekly wage in the state in the fourth year. Once the maximum benefit reaches two-thirds of the average weekly wage, the maximum benefit will be indexed annually. (A.6163 / S.3322; Chapter 6) 9/11 Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians Compensation Benefits This bill would provide parity with the coverage that public employee first responders receive under the Retirement and Social Security Law's disability pension benefit. The measure addresses the health problems faced by paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who responded to the 9/11 tragedy. (A.9489 / S.6521; Chapter, 689) Fair Pay Act This bill would establish the New York State Fair Pay Act in order to ensure pay differentiation is not based on a person's sex or national origin. The measure also would require that private and public employees are compensated for the work they perform based on their job titles. (A.2712; Passed Assembly) Prevailing Wage/Third Party This bill would establish the prevailing wage statute as enforceable on contracts entered into by third parties performing public work on behalf of public entities. (A.2713-B/S.6356; Chapter 678) Mandatory Overtime for Nurses This bill would restrict consecutive hours of required work by nurses and would not prohibit a nurse from voluntarily working overtime. (A.1898-B; Passed Assembly/S.6342; Rules) Unemployment Insurance This bill would extend for two additional years the self-employment assistance program. The program has been very successful in assisting individuals who are likely to exhaust their regular unemployment insurance benefits while establishing a small business. The legislation establishes a series of deadlines, mandatory training and other rigorous requirements that individuals must comply with in order to remain eligible for the program. (A.7209/S.4080; Chapter 200) Leave Time for Blood Donor Employees This bill would require employers with more than 20 employees to make three hours of annual leave time available to their workers for the purpose of volunteering to donate blood. The measure aims to encourage more donors to give blood and help stabilize blood supplies throughout New York which are frequently in a state of crisis. (A.3818-A / S.583-A; Chapter 578) Location for Women Employees to Express Milk This bill would require an employer to make reasonable efforts to provide a location for women employees to express milk in privacy. The legislation prohibits discrimination and provides women the right to express breast milk at work. (A.1060 / S.5596; Chapter 574) |
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School Library System Mergers This bill would provide an annual increase of base grants for school library systems that merge their service operations from $50,000 to $90,000. (A.7572-A/S.4476-B; Chapter 654) Local Funding of Libraries - This bill clarifies that when a school district library appropriation proposal goes before the voters, that proposal must have been approved by the library's board of trustees. This bill also puts into law a 2004 court decision clarifying that local citizens may petition a municipality to increase or establish funding to any public or free association library. (A.5107/S.3542; Chapter 184) |
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IDA Reform This bill would institute reform measures to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the state's Industrial Development Agencies. The legislation includes reforms that would prohibit IDA board members from having business ties or ownership interests with the IDA; require the board to be comprised of local governments, school boards, organized labor and environmental organization representatives; and mandates that the tax agreements and incentives should be publicly disclosed and available for inspection. (A.8703; Passed Assembly) Industrial Development Agency (IDA) This bill would extend the authorization of certain IDA statutes until January 31, 2008 to provide the Legislature with additional time to reach agreement on IDA reform measures. (A.9238; Chapter 381) Community Preservation Act This bill would authorize cities and towns in New York State to adopt, after a referendum, a transfer tax on real property transactions of up to two percent for the purpose of establishing a community preservation fund to be used for land conservation and historic preservation. (A.7333; Passed Assembly) Renewable Energy This bill would allow municipalities the option of purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources so long as the price is competitive with energy produced by polluting sources. With the dramatic reduction in the cost of solar and wind power, localities could purchase electricity from sources that have less of an impact on the environment than energy produced from oil, natural gas or fossil fuel sources. (A.2162; Passed Assembly) Land Use Planning This bill would clarify that all municipal actions relating to the land use law must be forwarded to county planning agencies for review. The measure would ensure that local government land use initiatives are appropriately reviewed for their county-wide and intercommunity impacts. (A.7396; Passed Assembly) Village and Town Justice Felony Convictions This bill would extend the same prohibitions that prevent convicted felons from serving as supreme and appellate court justices from holding office as town and village justices. (A.5825 / S.2709; Chapter 638) Deficit Financing This bill would establish uniformity in municipal deficit financing authorizations. The legislation would ensure that whenever the Legislature grants deficit financing authorization the financing would follow established standards and be subject to comprehensive reporting requirements. (A.6620-A / S.5370-A; Chapter 341) Identification of Procurement Officers This bill would require municipalities across the state to identify, every two years, the name and title of the individual responsible for purchasing goods and services to increase accountability in local governments. (A.7399 / S. 5083; Chapter 402) County Purchasing Contracts This bill would authorize counties to "piggy-back" or join purchasing contracts with other counties as a way to achieve cost savings for the benefit of taxpayers. (A.8976/ S.5491; Chapter 343) |
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Task Force on Developmental Disabilities This bill would establish a temporary Task Force on Developmental Disabilities to review the current eligibility standards for services provided by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. (A.3568-A/S.5398-A; Veto 155) OMH Housing Waiting List This bill would require the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to establish a community housing waiting list for adults with mental disabilities who are in need of housing. (A.3864/S.568; Veto 103) Unmet Mental Health Needs This bill would require the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health to study and report on the unmet mental health needs of traditionally underserved populations. (A.6820/S.4436; Chapter 119) Interoffice Coordinating Council (IOCC) This bill would reinstate the statute requiring the Interoffice Coordinating Council (IOCC) to provide an annual report to the Legislature on issues related to persons with multiple disabilities. (A.6842/S.2901; Chapter 294) Adults With Autism This bill would establish the Task Force on Adults with Autism within the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The task force would be responsible for ensuring the availability of appropriate support services for individuals living with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) throughout their life. (A.7687/S.5078; Veto 38) |
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Quick Draw The bill would extend the game of chance known as Quick Draw to May 31, 2008. Under the law, the game was set to expire on May 31. (A.8694 / S.5951; Chapter 62) Retired Race Horses This bill would establish a Task Force for Retired Race Horses. The task force would be responsible of exploring the feasibility of finding homes and alternate uses for race horses once they retire from racing. In addition, the task force would evaluate the advantages (or disadvantages) of installing various artificial race track surfaces now in use elsewhere in the country, for horse and rider safety. (A.5511 / S.2825; Chapter 293) |
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STAR Program This bill would augment the School Tax Relief program (STAR) by providing New Yorkers who qualify for the basic STAR exemption with a supplemental real property tax rebate based on a sliding scale formula that is tied to income. For eligible New York City homeowners, the rebates range from a high of $127 to a low of $64. (A.4307-C / S. 2107-C; Chapter 57) AID To Localities This bill would provide $700 million in local aid to help local governments, especially those with struggling economies, stabilize rising real property tax rates. (A.4300-D / S.2100-D; Chapter 50) New York City Tax Rebate This legislation would allow New York City to adopt a local law to extend for three additional fiscal years the $400 rebate that was provided to all eligible one, two and three-family homeowners and cooperative and condominium owners in New York City since 2004. (A.8161-A/S.5766-A; Chapter 483) |
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Small Business Energy Program This bill would help small businesses address the rising cost of energy by becoming more energy efficient. The bill would establish a zero and low-interest-loan program for energy improvement projects to help businesses control energy costs as well as stimulate economic growth and create more jobs. (A.5494; Passed Assembly) New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award This bill would create the "New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award." This legislation would help promote small businesses in the state, New York's largest employer, by establishing the "New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award." The honor would be annually awarded to New York State's most original and viable entrepreneurial idea. The winner of this award would be given $25,000 to be used in his or her entrepreneurial efforts. (A.1921/S.1827; Veto 12) |
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Public Housing Subsidies This bill would require the New York State Office of Temporary Disabilities to pay public housing authorities the same housing allowance that is paid to private housing landlords for tenants receiving public assistance. (A.7905/S.4329; Chapter 598) SSI Disability Benefits This bill would allow disabled children living in households receiving a special AIDS/HIV shelter allowance to receive the full amount of their federal SSI disability benefits. (A.9237Passed Assembly/S.6343; Rules) Child Care This bill would expand the resources available for working families to access child care in lieu of public assistance. (A.8096/S.4550; Chapter 135) |
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Ticket Scalping This bill would eliminate the ban on selling tickets to places of entertainment at more than the maximum premium price. The measure would move the business of selling tickets for theatrical, musical and sporting events to a free market system. (A.7526-A / S.3857-A; Chapter 61) |
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Public Vessels This bill would increase the safety of public vessels such as charter boats and other commercial watercraft carrying passengers by establishing new equipment and inspection requirements and toughening the penalties for violations of the Navigation Law. (A.7875/S.4242; Chapter 320) Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) This bill would bring the state into compliance with federal requirements affecting operators of commercial motor vehicles, to ensure the safety of the driving public as well as the state's eligibility for federal highway funding. (A.7877-A / S.4888-A; Chapter 251) Metered Parking Waiver Permit This bill would provide for a metered parking waiver permit for certain severely disabled drivers. (A.4691-A/S.3583-A; Chapter 243) Access Aisles This bill would require access aisles of parking spaces reserved for the disabled to be marked with a "No Parking Anytime" sign and diagonal stripes. (A.7110; Passed Assembly/S.3955; Transportation) Disabled Parking This bill would require access aisles of parking spaces reserved for the disabled to be at least eight feet wide. (A.7111; Passed Assembly/S.3954; Transportation) Safety Belt This bill would require all persons older than 16-years old and over who are passengers in the back seat of a motor vehicle to be restrained by a safety belt. (A.104; Passed Assembly/S.174; Transportation) Cargo Area of Truck This bill would prohibit a person from operating a truck while anyone under the age of 18 is in the cargo area of the vehicle, with limited exceptions. The measure aims to prevent serious injury to child passengers traveling in pick-up trucks. (A.227; Passed Assembly) School Bus Safety Program This bill would enhance school bus safety by establishing a comprehensive training program to educate motorists about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus and to promote school bus safety. (A.200; Passed Assembly) School Buses for Children Less Than School Age This bill would subject school bus drivers, who are transporting children under the school age, teachers and individuals in a supervisory capacity to the law's bus driver safety provisions, such as driver qualifications, examinations, criminal background checks and disqualifications. (A.229; Passed Assembly) Seat Belts in School Buses This bill would require the occupants of school buses with a seating capacity of less than 10 passengers to use seat belts. School buses designed to seat 10 or more occupants are equipped with federally required safety features such as high backed padded seats and higher structural standards. This measure would help ensure the safety of students when being transported in smaller sized school buses which are not subject to the federal safety standards. (A.3978/S.6194; Chapter 241) Congestion Mitigation This bill would establish a 17-member commission to review and study plans to reduce traffic congestion and other related health and safety issues in New York City. (A.9362 / S.6432, Chapter 384) Guy Kyler Act This bill would require the suspension of boating privileges upon a conviction for DWI/DWAI (driving while intoxicated or while ability impaired), and authorize the suspension of a driver's license upon a BWI/BWAI (boating while intoxicated or while ability impaired) conviction. (A.2254/S.108; Passed Assembly) Snowmobiling While Intoxicated This bill would prohibit the operation of a snowmobile on bodies of water and the private property of another while the operator is intoxicated or whose ability is impaired. (A.8052/S.3950; Chapter 311) Young Occupant Safety This bill would prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle with a passenger under the age of seven seated in the front seat, with limited exceptions. (A.7470/S.281; Passed Assembly) Driver Re-examination This bill would authorize courts to order drivers to submit to a re-examination by the Department of Motor Vehicles if they have been convicted of leaving the scene of an accident or a moving violation twice within 18 months or if the court has reasonable grounds to believe they are not qualified to operate a vehicle. (A.196/S.2330; Passed Assembly) Franchised Motor Vehicle Disputes This bill would establish an administrative adjudication procedure as an alternative to the courts for the resolution of disputes arising from violations of the Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealer Act. (A.434-D/S.1589-D; Chapter 517) |
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Veterans Constitutional Amendment This bill would propose a constitutional amendment to eliminate the requirement that disabled veterans must receive disability payments in order to qualify for additional civil service points. (A.4328/S.1568; Delivered to Secretary of State) Veterans Geriatric Mental Health Act This bill would establish the Veterans Geriatric Mental Health Act. The legislation aims to address the large number of returning combat veterans in need of mental-health services. The measure would help ensure that New York veterans have access to the counseling and treatment they need that is not readily available from an overwhelmed federal health-care system. (A.5154/S.5170; Veto 13) New York State Veterans Nursing Home Eligibility This bill would conform state law with federal law by addressing the eligibility standards for veterans and qualified dependents of veterans for admission to New York State veterans' homes. (A.7530/S.4244; Chapter 129) Real Property Tax Deadline This bill would grant veterans the real property tax exemption even though they purchased their home after the municipality's taxable status deadline. (A.1739/S.1810; Veto 90) Merchant Marine War Bonus The bill would authorize a $250 war bonus payment to New Yorkers, who were members of the Merchant Marine during World War II. In 1947, the state Legislature approved the bonus to honor veterans who served in the armed forces, but it wasn't until 1988 when the federal government gave veteran status to Merchant Marine sailors, which was long after the March 31, 1965, filing deadline. This measure would finally provide these brave New Yorkers with the recognition they deserve. (A.7857-A/S.4460-A; Chapter 325) Cold War Medal This bill would authorize the issuance of a Cold War service medal to New Yorkers who served in the armed forces from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991, and were honorably discharged. (A.5156-A; Passed Assembly/S.5650; Rules) Real Property Tax Exemption for Cold War Veterans This bill would establish a real property tax exemption for Cold War veterans. (.583-AA/S.4697; Chapter 655) Annual Annuity Gold Star Parents This bill would award an annual annuity to Gold Star Parents of veterans. Under the measure, an annuity would be provided for a deceased veteran's service and their parents' loss. (A.6575/S.100; Chapter 399) Burial of Veterans at Not-for-profit Cemeteries This bill would authorize the Division of Veterans' Affairs to apply to the U. S. government for funds to offset the burial costs of honorably discharged veterans. (A.6948/S.4397; Chapter 652) |
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