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2000 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS EPIC Enhancement This bill would improve the state's EPIC program by expanding eligibility and reducing seniors' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Under the bill, annual income levels for EPIC eligibility would be increased from $24,000 to $50,000 for married couples and from $18,500 to $35,000 for seniors living alone. (A.9504-B / S.6404-B; Chapter 54) Income Eligibility Increase for Real Property This bill would allow local governments the option to increase the maximum income eligibility limit for the five percent senior citizen real property tax exemption from $19,500 to $20,500. (A.6330 / S.3276; Chapter 198) Income Increase for SCRIE This bill would grant local governments the option to increase Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) eligibility to $23,000. (A.5417; Passed Assembly/S.5697; Rules) Tax Breaks for Residents of Senior Citizen Housing This bill would exempt the sales tax on food and drink sold by senior citizen housing facilities, easing the financial burden on seniors and extending to senior housing communities the same tax exemption enjoyed by registered health-care facilities. (A.75 / S.7073-A; Chapter 403) Spaying or Neutering Required for Animals Adopted from Shelters This bill would require that puppies and kittens adopted from an animal shelter be spayed or neutered before adoption. The bill aims to address significant overcrowding in animal shelters around the state. In cases in which an animal is adopted before it reaches sexual maturity, owners would have to deposit $35 that would be refundable if the animal is spayed or neutered within 30 days of reaching the age of six months. (A.1216; Passed Assembly / S.7858; Agriculture) Pet Population Control Program This bill would make permanent the animal "pet" population control program for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats at reduced costs. Under the bill, pet owners who adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter will receive a $35 certificate that will be accepted by participating veterinarians as payment for the sterilization procedure. (A.9595 / S.5292-A; Chapter 205) Pet Shop Inspection Law Ensures that consumers purchasing dogs and cats from pet dealers receive information concerning the animal's health, medical history and origin. The legislation also requires the licensing and inspection of all pet dealers in New York State. (A.1652-D / S.8073; Chapter 259) Attack On Service Dogs A Violation This bill would hold the owners of dogs who injure or cause the death of a guide, hearing or service dog responsible for the attack. Under the bill, owners of the attacking dog would be required to make compensation for the death or injury their dog inflicted. (A.812-A / S.6332-A; Chapter 263) Agricultural Environmental Management This bill would enhance the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) initiative by permitting eligible farmers to receive an animal waste management plan designed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The bill would provide grant money from the Clean Water Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund to help farmers protect drinking water supplies by implementing an animal waste management plan aimed at preventing run off from these wastes from polluting groundwater, rivers, lakes and other fresh water sources. (A.11075 / S.7269; Chapter 136) Food Safety Inspection This bill would require the Department of Agriculture and Markets to strengthen its retail pest management food inspection program. The bill would subject repeat violators to more frequent on-site pest control inspections and require the public disclosure and display of pest inspection results. Under the bill, the department would have the authority to close down a store and revoke food-processing licenses. (A.10335-A /S.7636-A; Chapter 278) Utility Herbicide Use Prohibited This bill would phase out the use of herbicides as the principal method to clear utility right-of-ways of unwanted vegetation. The bill aims to encourage utilities to use mechanical alternatives, crop management and biological controls. In addition, the bill would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Markets to implement a vegetation-management control program. (A.1913; Passed Assembly) Insurance Coverage for Family Members of Persons Suffering from Alcoholism, Substance Abuse or Chemical Dependence This bill would clarify existing state law to ensure that insurance companies and managed-care providers that offer coverage to family members of persons suffering from alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependence actually provide that coverage. Under the bill, covered family members may not be denied coverage by a health-insurance company for alcoholism or substance abuse treatment unless it is properly determined to be unnecessary (A.9528-A / S.3946-A; Passed both houses) Predatory Lending This bill aims to end the practice of allowing mortgage companies, mortgage brokers and home improvement contractors from encouraging New Yorkers with substantial equity in their homes to enter into mortgages with unaffordable terms that ultimately results in the loss of their homes.(A.4744-C; Passed Assembly / S.5046-B; Banks) Wildcard Banks This bill would extend for three additional years provisions of the state banking law that affords state-chartered banks the same powers as national banks with the approval of the Banking Board. The bill makes amendments to the banking and insurance laws to conform to the "safe harbor" provisions of the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. (A.11375-A / S.8090; Chapter 418) Credit Union Field of Membership This bill would provide greater parity between state-chartered credit unions and federally chartered credit unions with respect to their ability to add additional members. (A.7701-C / S.8061-A; Delivered to governor) CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions Fund) This bill would create the New York State Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The bill is designed to provide financial and technical assistance to community development financial institutions that make loans and equity investments in, or offer services designed to support development in low-to moderate-income communities. (A.82-A; Passed Assembly) Mortgage Brokers This bill would impose educational requirements on applicants for a mortgage broker license and mandate continuing education courses for registered mortgage brokers. (A.10805; Passed Assembly/S.7691; Rules) Voluntary and Involuntary Liquidation of Banks This bill modifies and clarifies several provisions of the banking law that relate to the voluntary and involuntary liquidations of banking organizations, thus facilitating the expeditious resolution of such liquidations proceedings which promote the safety and soundness of the state banking system. (A.8761-B / S.3554-A; Passed both houses) Banking Development Districts This bill would allow credit unions to participate in the banking development district program. This program gives banks incentives to establish branches in underserved areas. (A.5880-A; Passed Assembly) Check-Cashing Privileges for Senior Citizens Under this bill, senior citizens with proper identification would be entitled to cash state or federal checks at banks where they do not have an account. The bill would expand the limited banking options for seniors who are on fixed incomes and unable to maintain a sufficient amount of funds to qualify for a checking account. (A.997A; Passed Assembly) Working Family Tax Reduction This bill would reduce the state's "marriage" penalty, resulting in an average annual savings of $110 per couple; increase the Earned Income Tax Credit from the current 25 percent of the federal credit to 30 percent; and enhance the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The bill also will provide a college tuition deduction of up to $10,000 or a tax credit of up to $400; a long-term care insurance tax credit that will result in an average savings of $125 for 60-year-old policyholders; an income tax credit for homeowners purchasing and installing a fuel cell to supply power to their home, a $500 income-tax credit for replacing residential fuel oil storage tanks; and a tax incentive for the construction of low -and moderate-income housing. (A.11006, / S.1-B; Chapter 63) Home Visiting Program The bill would make permanent the Home
Visiting program for PINS Age Increased The bill would increase the age of persons in need of supervision (PINS) from 16 to 18 years. The current PINS age is 16 years for boys and 18 for girls. Under current law, parents are legally responsible for runaway teenagers between the PINS cut-off age of 16 and 18. Yet, they lack a way to have their child returned home. By increasing the PINS age, this bill would provide parents with the legal means to control their child until they reach the age of 18. (A.1131-B / S.674; Passed both houses) Families in Transition Act 2000 This bill would establish the Families in Transition Act of 2000, which is a series of measures aimed at addressing the needs of children who lose their parent or guardian due to illness or death. The bill would require the commissioner of health to issue an annual report on services provided to children who lose their primary caregiver to HIV/AIDS; continue public assistance to a child whose head of household has died for 180 days; provide for the transfer of custody of a child whose primary caregiver is debilitated or incapacitated; and provide for the appointment of a standby guardian. (A.7646-C / S.5170-A; Delivered to governor) Struggling Cities Aid This bill would provide financial assistance for the cash-strapped cities of Buffalo, $20.5 million; Rochester, $15 million; Syracuse, $10 million; Yonkers, $15 million; and Albany, $4.5 million. The bill also includes a five percent increase in revenue sharing to help localities hold the line on property taxes. (A.9502-B / S.6402-B; Chapter 50) Extension of New York City Business Energy Programs This bill would extend and enhance the Energy Costs Savings Program (ECSP) and the Lower Manhattan Energy Program (LMEP), which reduce energy costs for certain business tenants in order to encourage them to remain or relocate in certain commercial areas in New York City.(A.11428; / S.8165; Chapter 472) Sale of Bonds By City of Buffalo This bill extends the expiration date from June 30, 2000 to June 30, 2001 to allow the City of Buffalo ton continue to issue serial bonds or notes at private sale, subject to the approval of the State Comptroller. (A.323-A / S.6289; Chapter 90) Sale of Bonds By the City of Yonkers This bill extends the expiration date from June 30, 2000 to June 30, 2001 to allow the City of Yonkers to continue to issue serial bonds or notes at private sale, subject to the approval of the state Comptroller. (A.9621 / S.7602; Chapter 92) Water Rates For Charities This bill would continue the law that allows water charges for hospitals or charitable organizations that have water bills of more than $5,000 but less than $10,000 to pay only one-half of the water charge. Under the bill, if the city increases the water rates, the $5,000 - $10,000 standard should also be increased at the equal rate.(A.9489 / S.6479; Chapter 271) Relocation Employment Assistance Program (REAP) This bill would provide the City of New York with an expanded Citywide revitalization plan, including various tax credits which would encourage job creation, relocation and expansion of businesses to all areas of the City of New York, consisting of areas of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens and Manhattan above 96th Street. This program is currently also known as the Relocation Employment Assistance Program (REAP). (A.11510 / S.8219; Chapter 261) Gun Control This bill would establish gun control measures aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of children. The bill would establish a comprehensive approach to ban the possession of assault weapons; require ballistic testing for firearms; mandate gun locking devices for guns sold in retail outlets, establish 21 years old as the minimum age for obtaining a firearms license and require background checks for private sales at gun shows. (A.11535 / S.8234; Chapter 189) Bail Enforcement Agents ("Bounty Hunters") This bill would help to ensure the professionalism and regulate the conduct of bail enforcement agents, or "bounty hunters," by providing for their licensing by the Department of State. (A.1432-B; Passed Assembly / S.4719-E; Passed both houses) Sexual Assault The bill would extend the crime of rape and sodomy
to cover victims of acquaintance or 'date rape' and cracks down on individuals
who employ and traffic in so-called "date rape" drugs. Under
the bill, those convicted would be subject to consecutive sentences
for the crime and any other sex offense committed. The bill establishes
the new crime of "forcible touching,' which violators would be
charged with a class A misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail.
The bill also would increase the age limits for "statutory"
rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and other sex crimes with children from the
current 11 years old to 13 years and individuals convicted of raping
a minor would be guilty of a class B felony and face up to 25 years
in prison. (A.11538 /
S.8238; Passed both houses) Money Laundering This bill would toughen penalties for individuals convicted of money laundering by establishing a series of measures that would criminalize transportation money laundering thereby enabling more effective prosecutions resulting from undercover investigations, establish a new first-degree money laundering offense as a class B felony, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 25 years and create penalties for those who launder money by violating state tax provisions. (A.11536 / S.8231; Delivered to governor) Bias Crime Bill This bill would make bias related violence and
intimidation a distinct criminal offense. The bill would apply additional
sentencing for bias crimes, commonly referred to as "hate crimes.".
Under terms of the bill, these acts would involve violence or property
damage motivated by violating an individual's rights based on his or
her race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or sexual
orientation. (A.30002
/ S.4691; Chapter 107) Police Training And Diversity Enhancement Grant Program This bill would establish a grant program to provide funds for additional police officer training and recruitment efforts to increase racial, ethnic, religious and gender diversity. This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations package. (A.8847; Passed Assembly) Drug and Alcohol Testing Of Police Officers This bill would authorize the state's six largest cities to require law enforcement personnel to submit to a drug test when an officer has discharged his or her firearm and it caused a death or serious injury. This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations package. (A.5609-C; Passed Assembly) Appeal Of Change Of Venue Determinations This bill would authorize either party in a criminal case to seek leave from the state Court of Appeals to appeal a determination by an appellate court granting or denying a request for a change of venue. The current law does not allow a change of venue decision made by a court of the Appellate Division to be appealed. Under the bill, an appellate court's decision to move a trial to another part of the state could be challenged by either the defendant or plaintiff. This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations package. (A.11178; Passed Assembly) Children Recreational Camp Protection This bill would bar suspicious persons from loitering on the premises of facilities used as an overnight or a day camp by children. Under the bill, individuals trespassing on children's facilities will be subject to a criminal sanction of up to three months in jail and a substantial fine. (A.1578-B / S.1066-B; Chapter 533) Ban On Guns Disguised As Toys The bill would prohibit the possession or use of firearms that look like toys. Under the bill, violators would be charged with a class "D" felony that carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. (A.8234; Passed Assembly) Felon Name Change This bill would require that victims and prosecutors and the state Department of Criminal Justice Services be notified when a convicted felon petitions the state to change his or her name. Under the bill, victims would be allowed to voice their opinions on the felon's name change request.(A.10995-A / S.6153-A; Passed both houses) Livery Cab Protection This bill would increase penalties for those who prey on "for-hire" drivers, institute driver protection training and authorize the state's Crime Victims Board to grant awards to livery cab drivers who are the victims of violent crimes. Under the bill, individuals who attempt to murder, assault or rob a "fore-hire" driver during the course of his or her work would face sentencing of an additional three to five years for their crime. (A.11534 / S.8232; Chapter 148) Privacy Protection Package:
PSC To Evaluate Impact Of Utility Rate Hikes The bill would
require that the state Public Service Commission (PSC) consider the
economic impact utility rate increases would have on consumers. Under
the bill, the PSC would have to evaluate a utility's need for a rate
hike and the ability of its customers to afford the higher utility rates.
(A.1221; Passed Assembly
/ S.1138; Rochester Sports Authority This bill would create a public benefit corporation with broad powers under the Public Authorities Law, to plan for, organize, produce, and promote sporting events at all levels, whether recreational, scholastic, amateur or collegiate, and to lease, own, operate, maintain and construct sports facilities in Monroe County. (A.11421-C / S.8220-B; Chapter 545) Work Release For Abused Prisoners This bill allows the state Corrections Department to grant work release to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse who were convicted of assaulting or killing their abusers. (A.1560 / S.3941; Passed both houses) New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) This bill is designed to keep the NYSE from moving out of New York State. Under the bill, the City of New York would be authorized to enter into a financing agreement with the New York City Industrial Development Agency to develop a, new NYSE facility, which will include the private development of an office tower above the new construction. All lease revenues from the tower will be used to pay the debt service on the bonds authorized for land acquisition. The new facility will be located adjacent to the existing NYSE. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1.7 billion, with New York City financing the total cost of land acquisition, which is estimated to be between $360 and $400 million. (A.11532 / S.8233; Passed both houses) Empire Zones This bill would establish job-creating, tax-free "Empire Zones." Under the bill, qualified business operating in Empire Zones would be provided tax credits, exemptions and other financial incentives. The bill would target Empire Zones to communities with chronic high unemployment rates and economies that have not participated in the national economic boom. (A.11006 / S.1-B; Chapter 63) Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit This bill would authorize $150 million in tax credits to insurance companies that invest in venture capital pools that in turn invest in businesses statewide. This bill, part of the Assembly Certified Capital Corporations (CAPCO) initiative, would allocate one-third of the credits to businesses located in "Empire Zones."(A.11006, / S.1-B; Chapter 63) Energy Tax Reductions This bill would authorize energy tax cuts of more than $330 million. Under the bill, specific components of the energy tax-cut plan would include the elimination of the gross receipts tax (GRT) on commercial and industrial consumers; and a reduction of the GRT on gas and electricity purchased by residential consumers. (A.11006, / S.1-B; Chapter 63) Strategic Network Partnerships Program This bill would create the Strategic Network Partnerships Program at the Department of Economic Development (DED) to coordinate the delivery of economic development assistance to manufacturing industries in order that they may improve their productivity and competitiveness. (A.109-A; Passed Assembly/S.550-A; Rules) State Economic Development Assistance Funds This bill would require the state economic development agencies (Department or Economic Development, the Job Development Authority, New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research and the Urban Development Corporation) give preference to the small businesses and entrepreneurs in awarding state economic development assistance funds. (A.1237-A; Passed Assembly/S.5108-A; Rules) Private Industry Review Council This bill would establish performance plans for economic development programs and create the Private Industry Review Council, which would be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the programs. The council would be required to review each financial and business assistance program receiving funds from any of the state's major economic development agencies. It also would submit a report to the governor and the Legislature recommending appropriate changes to improve the effectiveness of these programs and services. (A.1925-A; Passed Assembly) High-Technology Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program This bill would provide loan guarantees for working capital loans to high-technology companies by establishing the High-Technology Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program which would be administered through Technical Development Organizations (TDO's). TDO's are state funded organization that help small and large business across the state become more efficient and profitable through their technical assistance. (A.4441-A; Passed Assembly) High-Technology Incubator Program This bill would encourage the development of new high-tech businesses in New York State by creating in the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) High-Technology Incubator Program. This program would provide assistance to innovative high-technology companies that are developing new technology and products in a incubator setting. (A.4958-A; Passed Assembly) Regional Marketing Program This bill would improve the state's economic condition by creating the Regional Marketing Program within the Department of Economic Development. This program would provide assistance to strategic businesses to support their regional promotion efforts. Strategic businesses are designated by county legislatures to promote the businesses and industries unique to their region of the state.(A.6486-A; Passed Assembly/S.4538-A; Rules) High-Tech New York Web Site This bill would market New York State as a high technology center of activity to industrial site selection specialists by creating a High-Tech New York web site within the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research. The web site will advertise the benefits, attractions and state assistance available to companies in a particular region. (A.8107-A / S.8020; Veto 18) Loans For Economic Development Purposes This bill would extend for two years the ability of the state Urban Development Corporation to make loans for economic development projects. (A.10046-A / S.6981-A; Chapter 79) Small Craft Brewers This bill would assist small craft brewers in meeting the financial requirements for licensing by eliminating the brand label registration fee they must pay in order to sell their beer on the premises. (A.1166 / S.2572; Passed both houses) Electrology This bill would provide for the licensing of persons who practice electrology. This bill would enhance the state's ability to protect the health and safety of consumers by providing a system of licensure requiring adequate levels of training, examination and education in the field of electrology. (A.6351-B; Passed Assembly/S.4977-B; Rules) Historic Education Aid Increase This bill would adopt as part of the state's 2000-01 budget, would provide a historic $1.2 billion increase in education spending. It also includes Assembly initiatives to reduce class size, ensure universal pre-K and recruit quality teachers.(A.9505 / S.6405-B; Chapter 53) School Violence This bill would provide protections against
school violence that would strengthen a teacher's authority to remove
disruptive students from the classroom; make assaults on teachers or
teachers' assaults on students a felony; incorporates civility, citizenship
and character education throughout the K-12 curriculum; and require
all school districts to create a comprehensive school safety plan. (A.6899-D
/ S.8236; Passed both
houses) Buffalo Schools This bill would provide increased latitude to the City of Buffalo in awarding contracts for construction of new educational facilities. (A.9576-C /S.6590-C; Passed both houses) Schenectady Schools This bill would advance $5 million in school aid to the Schenectady School District and authorize the district to issue $5.6 million in bonds to close the district's accumulated deficit of up to $10.6 million. (A.11504 / S.8198; Chapter 376) Pesticide Protection For Children This bill would establish pest management requirements for schools throughout the state in order to reduce staff and student exposure to pesticides. The bill also would mandate that schools use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach that favors the use of non-pesticide pest control methods and, as a last resort, use of only the least toxic forms of pesticides. (A.8206; Passed Assembly) Bus Transportation To Private Schools For Extra Charge This bill would make students who travel more than 15 miles to private schools eligible for transportation provided by the local school district. The bill would require that parents reimburse the school district for the cost of transporting a student beyond the 15-mile limit. (A.2084; Passed Assembly/S.1436; Rules) Improving the Performance of New York City School Principals This bill would allow the New York City Board of Education to negotiate with the City's Council of Supervisors and Administrators for new or modified tenure standards for the district's principals. Under the bill, negotiators could adopt a far a less complicated and faster procedure to remove under-performing school administrators than currently allowed by law. (A.9271 / S.6274; Chapter 3) Police Training In High Schools This bill would establish several
magnet high schools, or high school programs, to prepare students for
police careers. Under the bill, graduates would receive a hiring preference
as police officers or admission to criminal justice programs offered
by the State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New
York (CUNY). This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations
package. (A.8653-A; Passed
Assembly / S.7901; Rules)
Public Campaign Financing Reform Act of 2000 This bill would allow statewide and state legislative candidates from being held in primary and general elections beginning in 2002 to be eligible for public financing. Under the bill, the races would be funded by a $3 check-off on state income tax returns. The bill also would restrict private and special interest contributions to candidates in primaries and general elections for these offices and allow localities with 100,000 populations or more to create their own optional public campaign financing programs. In addition, the bill would ban fundraisers held on behalf of candidates for statewide office or legislative candidates within 40 miles of the Capitol building in Albany during the legislative session, which usually runs from January to July.(A.6940-B; Passed Assembly) Protecting The Privacy of Domestic Violence Victims This bill would protect the privacy and safety needs of domestic violence victims as they relate to the current availability of voter registration information as public records. (A10082; Passed Assembly/S.7049; Rules)
Power For Jobs Program The bill would continue the state's Power for Jobs program for another three years for each contract that was allocated under the first year of the program. The 330 contracts directly affected by the bill represent 267 megawatts of power. These contracts will begin to expire in March of 2001. (A.9566-A; Passed Assembly) Funding For Energy Projects This bill would require the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY), utilities and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to promote energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. The bill would also prohibit the Public Service Commission from allowing rates to be raised for recovery of lost revenue from energy conservation.(A.6099-B; Passed Assembly) Investigation of High Oil Prices This resolution calls upon the United States President and the Congress to investigate the causes of the rising cost of petroleum products and to enact measures to alleviate the burden such increases place on the poor, on working families and on the elderly and people on fixed incomes. (K.1584; Adopted by Assembly) Increased HEAP Funding This resolution calls upon the Congress
to grant the President's request for $600 million in additional Low-Income
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding to help make high home heating oil
prices more affordable. (K.1747; Adopted by Assembly) Nuclear Power Safety and Ratepayer Protections
Electric Industry Worker Transition This bill would ensure the reliability of the state's electric energy system through the continued employment of a skilled workforce by the state's electric utilities and PASNY. (A.8689-A; Passed Assembly) Pesticide Notification This bill would authorize 10 counties
and the City of New York to enact local laws to require 48-hour notification
to adjoining property owners by those seeking to use pesticides and
other chemical applications outdoors. Under the bill, commercial pesticide
applicators would be required to notify neighbors, allowing them to
reduce or avoid their exposure to the pesticides. This bill also requires
notice of pesticide usage on the grounds of school and day care centers.
(A.1461-A / S.8223;
Chapter 285) Cancer Mapping Bill This bill would require that the DEC and the Department of Health (DOH) to combine data to develop a comprehensive map of the state that details incidences of cancer and toxic environmental sites that could potentially threaten human safety. (A.1170-C; Passed Assembly / S.6859; Environmental Conservation) Gasoline Additive Ban This bill would ban the sale of gasoline containing the additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Under the bill, individuals who sell gasoline with MTBE will be subject to a minimum fine of $500. The bill addresses scientific concerns that MTBE is a probable animal and possible human carcinogen that has been discovered in New York State's groundwater, private and public drinking wells and many of its streams and ponds. (A.5513-A / S.6137-A; Chapter 35) Environmental Opportunity Zone - This bill would encourage environmental remediation of New York State's brownfield areas by providing liability relief and financial incentives, as well as authorizing property tax reductions at the local government's option. (A.496; Passed Assembly) Acid Rain This bill would monitor and control the sale of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to out-of-state power plants and businesses by establishing guidelines for reporting the sale or trade of these pollution allowances. (A.9090-A / S.4917-C; Chapter 36) Jet Ski Emissions This bill would require the Commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to develop regulations, which at a minimum, are equal to the California air emission reduction regulations for personal water craft. The bill would mandate that the regulations apply to every new personal water craft that is manufactured for sale or offered for sale in New York. (A.10851-A / S.7440-A; Chapter 417) Restricting Insect Repellent Ingredient "DEET" This bill would prohibit the sale of any insect repellent products for human use containing DEET in concentrations of greater than 30 percent. The bill seeks to respond to numerous studies have shown that high concentrations of DEET are harmful to humans. (A.955; Passed Assembly/S.7609; Judiciary) Permanent State Pension Cola This bill would provide a permanent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirees of all public retirement systems. Under the bill, COLA benefits would be provided to current retirees effective September 2000, boosting their pensions to a minimum of half the inflation rate from the date of retirement through 1997. On September 2001, all retirees will receive an annual COLA adjustment that is linked to half of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This adjustments would provide a minimum of one percent and a maximum of three percent. (A.11460; / S.8180; Chapter 125) Early Retirement Incentive This bill would provide retirement incentives for certain public employees of one month additional service for each year of service, up to a maximum of three years. (A.10873-A / S.8110; Chapter 86) Pay Bills This bill would implement salary contract agreements between the state and public employee unions. (A.11209 / S.7952; Chapter 68) Service Credit Buy-Back This bill seeks to ensure that members receive service credit in the retirement system. This bill changes the Tier 4 benefit structure to provide benefits to those who retire prior to age 62 with less than 30 years of service, the same as applicable in Tier 2. (A.11416 / S.8129; Passed both houses) Death Benefit This bill intends to provide greater death benefits to beneficiaries of members who die prior to retirement. Employees who joined the retirement system prior to January 1, 2001 and choose death benefit one will be granted whichever benefit is greater. A member of the retirement system who joined the system on or after January 1, 2001 would be covered by death benefit two, under terms of the legislation. Death benefit two is a much more generous benefit, except in a few rare instances. (A.11414 / S.8131; Delivered to governor) Pension Enhancements This bill would eliminate the Tier 3 and
4 contributions after 10 years of service and provide additional service
credit to Tiers 1 and 2. (A.11418
/ S.8142; Chapter 126) Prioritize The Purchase Of Remanufactured Commodities The bill would encourage the state to purchase remanufactured commodities through the state procurement process. The bill aims to encourage the use of recycled or remanufactured printer ink or toner cartridges. The bill also would extend for five years the sunset provision applicable to preferred sources and purchasing services of the Procurement Stewardship Act, thereby protecting the employment of thousands of disabled people. In addition, the bill would identify small businesses and minority and women-owned businesses on lists maintained by the Office of General Services and make these lists available to authorized purchasers.(A.11523 / S.8226; Chapter 95) Police Residency And Diversity Act Of 2000 This bill would allow a locality to enact a local law requiring new police officers to be residents of the City of New York. The bill also would authorize New York City and the state's five other largest cities to provide certain benefits to resident police officers, including higher pay, extra points on police entrance examinations, lower state and local taxes and the forgiving of college loans. This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations package. (A.8849-B; Passed Assembly) State Agency Photo ID Distribution Restricted This bill would prohibit state agencies from disclosing any photograph of an individual that may be on file. The bill would extend the same prohibition that the current law applies to printed records. The bill is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.8116; Passed Assembly) State Agency Internet Privacy This bill would require all state agencies to develop online Internet privacy disclosure policies. The bill aims to ensure that the freedom to send and receive privileged or confidential information through the Internet, whether it is for personal or business transactions, is not hampered. This initiative is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.8130-B; Passed Assembly / S.5590-B; Sen. Rules) Technology's Privacy Ramifications This bill would establish a temporary state commission to study personal privacy and to make recommendations as to how personal information might be better protected. The commission would examine how new computer technologies will impact personal records, such as medical files, phone logs and credit card data. This bill is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.5543-C; Passed the Assembly) New York State Internet Privacy Law This bill would allow web
site operators to comply voluntarily with a New York State Internet
Privacy Law. The bill would establish rigorous privacy rules, which
New York State could enforce against web site operators. According to
the sponsor, the law could be used to increase web site patronage because
many consumers would seek out sites where they felt safe and confident
that personal information would not be misused. Gender Neutral This amendment to the state Constitution would bring parity to the female gender in the state Constitution. The amendment would change Constitutional wording to reflect both male and female or, where appropriate, to be gender neutral. The amendment must be approved by two successive legislative sessions before it would go to the public for a general election vote (A.4502-A; / S.3340-B; Delivered to Secretary of State) Fire-Safe Cigarettes This bill would require the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control to set fire-safety standards for cigarettes sold in the state, beginning July 1, 2003. The standards would be aimed at limiting the risk tobacco products would pose for igniting clothing, bedding and other household items. The office also would be required to ensure the fire-safe cigarette did not present more of a threat to public health than those sold in the state now.(A.11162-B / S.8181; Chapter 284) Untaxed Tobacco Product Penalty This bill would substantially increase penalties for transporting, possessing or selling untaxed cigarettes and other tobacco products, beginning January 1, 2001. Under the bill, individuals possessing or transporting 30,000 or more unstamped or unlawfully stamped cigarettes or other tobacco products for the purpose of selling them could face up to seven years in jail.(A.11455 / S.8177; Chapter 262) HMO Liability This bill would hold health maintenance organizations (HMOs) legally liable for the consequences of their decisions in providing health-care to their members. The bill also seeks to protect health-care providers, many of whom have criticized health-care organizations for providing inadequate medical care. Under terms of the legislation, these organizations would be prohibited from offering incentives aimed at encouraging providers who delay, fail or refuse to render adequate care. (A.1400-A; Passed Assembly / S.38-A; Judiciary) Physician Profiling This bill would increase consumer access to information about physicians, such as criminal convictions, malpractice judgments/settlements and revocation/restriction of hospital privileges. The bill is aimed at assisting consumers in making informed judgements regarding medical and health-care decisions.(A.1401-D / S.8127; Chapter 542) Breast Cancer Survivors On Health Research And Science Board This bill would require 10 persons who have or had breast cancer to be added to the state Health Research and Science Board in order to provide better representation of those who suffer from the disease. (A.1752; Passed Assembly/S.4890; Health) Follow-Up Care For Breast Cancer Survivors This bill would require
the DOH to prepare a report on the state's ability to ensure appropriate
follow-up medical care is provided to patients after they have been
diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer. The report also would include
an evaluation of care for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. (A.1933-B;
Passed Assembly/S.1530-B;
Rules) Health-Care Settings This bill would require the safer use of needles and other medical instruments with sharp points or blades in health-care settings. (A.7144-C / S.4396-B; Passed both houses) Restricting The Number Of Work Hours For Nurses This bill would
limit the number of hours a registered nurse (RPN) or licensed practical
nurse (LPN) could work to 16 consecutive hours. The measure would also
require a minimum number of off-duty hours between extended shifts and
limit the hours nurses can work to 60 per seven-day-period, except in
emergency situations. (A.7405-A;
Passed Assembly; S.7176;
Sen. Rules) Mosquito Control This bill would provide an additional $10,000 in state aid for mosquito control to a county if its mosquito program includes source reduction and education efforts. (A.10845-A; Passed Assembly) Birth Certificate Fraud This bill would establish penalties for the misuse of birth or death certificates. It would make it unlawful to possess or use records of vital statistics for deceptive purposes. It would also increase the penalties for persons who fail to file properly or deliver birth or death certificates, willfully alter them or possess or use them for deceptive purposes. Under the bill, a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation would be established. The bill is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.4097; Passed Assembly / S.21001;Rules) Funding For Spinal Cord Research This bill would provide a personal income tax check-off for individuals who make donations to support spinal cord injury. (A.9474; Passed Assembly/ S.8000) Increasing Penalties For Tobacco Sales To Minors This bill would
significantly increase fines for businesses that sell tobacco products
to minors. Under the bill, the most egregious violations could result
in the permanent suspension of a merchant's tobacco and lottery licenses.
(A.4471-A /S.4896-A;
Chapter 405) Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Improved This bill would increase the maximum TAP award from $4125 to $5000, beginning in September for freshmen and then for sophomores, juniors and seniors in succeeding years. Under the bill, many private college students will have to pay $3,500 less in tuition over a four-year college course. The bill would also raise the minimum TAP awards from $275 to $500 over a staggered three-year schedule. (A.9505-B / S.6405-B; Chapter 53) TAP Tuition Cap This bill would raise the "cap" on TAP from 90 percent of tuition to 95 percent this year and to 100 percent next year, eventually saving most SUNY and CUNY students around the $1300 over a four-year college course. (A.9505-B / S.6405-B; Chapter 53) SUNY/CUNY Tuition This bill would ensure that for the fifth year in a row, tuition at SUNY and CUNY senior colleges will not go up. The bill would increase aid to the state's public university system by approximately $114 million in order to ensure that a college education is affordable for all New Yorkers.(A 9505-B / S.6405-B; Chapter 53) TAP Eligibility Expanded This bill would raise the maximum family income eligibility for TAP from $50,050 to $80,000, meaning that 30,000 more families will be eligible to receive the minimum TAP award. (A.9505-B / S.6405-B; Chapter 53) Housing Authority Privatization This bill will in enable the Newburgh, Elmira, Buffalo and Poughkeepsie housing authorities to privatize their facilities and generate the funds they need to modernize their facilities. (A.11371-A / S.8117; Chapter 87) Housing Program Incentives This bill would authorize the state's six largest cities to provide preferential treatment to resident police officers seeking public housing. Under the bill, admission preferences would be given to resident police officers applying for public housing through the Mitchell-Lama housing program and the state's Affordable Home Ownership subsidy program. This bill is part of the Assembly's police community relations package. (A.8850; Passed Assembly) Infertility Coverage This bill would mandate that health-insurance companies provide diagnostic testing and treatment for infertility. This bill would require that medical insurance policies that cover hospital stays and surgical/medical care also cover the cost of diagnosing and treating medical conditions that result in infertility. Among procedures included for insurance coverage under the bill are drug therapy, artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization. (A.7303; Passed Assembly/S.5662 ; Insurance) Excess Profits Standard This bill would require the state insurance superintendent to utilize a discounted cash-flow methodology to compute the excess-profits standard for the sale of auto insurance. It also would require this calculation to be made on an annual basis, using the most current available data to determine a reasonable profit for insurance companies. (A.10410; Passed Assembly) Health-Insurance Guaranty Fund This bill would ensure the timely and fair resolution of health-care claims and disputes. It also would establish the Health-insurance Guaranty Fund for the purpose of paying claims to consumer and providers in the event of an insurer or HMO insolvency. (A.11235; Passed Assembly) Office Of Insurance Consumer Advocate This bill would establish an independent Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate to intervene in rate-setting and rule-making proceedings in relation to auto and health insurance. It also would make complaint information available to consumers from the State Insurance Department (SID) and allow municipalities to petition the Department for reductions in auto insurance rates. (A.6171-B; Passed Assembly) Excess Profits On The Sale Of Private Passenger Automobile Insurance This bill would provide reforms to protect consumers and reduce premiums, including providing for an independent audit of compliance with and enforcement of state law, limiting excess profits on the sale of private passenger automobile insurance. It also would require prior approval by the insurance superintendent before an auto insurance company could raise its rates. (A. 5431-A; Passed Assembly) Not-For-Profit Property Casualty Insurance Company This bill would allow for the licensing of a not-for-profit property casualty insurance company to provide coverage solely to meet the risk-management, risk-financing and insurance needs of the not-for-profit community in the state. (A.10957-A / S.7327-B; Passed both houses) Women Health Screening Coverage This bill would require health-insurance carriers to provide coverage for mammograms, bone density, osteoporosis and cervical cytology screening. The purpose of this bill is to encourage early detection and prevention of certain health and medical conditions affecting women.(A.5457-B; Passed Assembly / S.2996-B; Insurance) Ban on Mammography Co-Payments This bill would require health-insurance carriers to remove co-payments and deductibles on mammography screenings. (A.817-B; Passed Assembly / S.1288; Insurance) Mammography Coverage This bill would mandate that health-insurance companies provide annual mammography screening coverage to women beginning at age 40 years old. This bill would ensure that women have regular access to mammography screenings because medical research indicates that women who have had a mammography test before the age of 50 have reduced breast cancer deaths by 30 percent. (A.5069; Passed Assembly / S.92; Insurance) Expanded Mammography Screening This bill would require heath insurance plans for multi-state policies and policies subject to collective bargaining to provide mammography screening coverage. The bill also would allow greater access to mammographies to women in the state.(A.5415; Passed Assembly / S.4016; Insurance) Prostate Cancer Screening Coverage This bill would require health-insurance companies to provide coverage for prostate cancer screening tests. Under the bill, health-insurance contracts would have to provide annual prostate-testing coverage for men with a prior history of prostate cancer, males aged 50 and over who are asymptomatic and males aged 40 and over who have a family history of prostate cancer-related risks. (A.5037 / S.976; Passed both houses) Payor Accountability This bill would strengthen penalties on insurers that routinely delay payment of claims; create a dispute-resolution system to resolve payment disputes; create a health-insurance guaranty fund to assure payment of claims in the event of insolvency of an insurer; ensure that when an insurer prior authorizes care, the care will be reimbursed; require insurers to cover ambulance services in the event of an emergency; and limit premium increases of more than five percent in any consecutive 12-month period. (A.11235; Passed Assembly) Insurance Premiums Restrictions This bill would require the SID to conduct public hearings and review health-insurance premium increases submitted by HMOs or non-profit insurers of greater than five percent. This bill would mandate that the SID subject premium increase requests of more than five percent to a comprehensive regulatory review and force health plans to justify every penny of the rate increase they seek. (A.1504-A; Passed Assembly) NYPIUA The bill would extend for one year the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA), an insurance program to provide insurance "of last resort" to property owners throughout the state, particularly in Long Island coastal areas and in some urban areas of the state. Under the bill, insurance coverage would be continued for basic fire and extended coverage insurance for 60,000 residential and commercial properties. (S.7064; Chapter 30) WWII Slave Labor Victims' Recovery of Damages This bill would extend the statute of limitations to allow those who were victims of forced and slave labor during WWII , or their heirs, to recover damages. (A.9829 / S.6245; Passed both houses) Child Support Enforcement This bill would enact the Child Support Enforcement Improvement Act of 2000. The bill would mandate the imposition of temporary orders of support in Supreme Court actions and strengthens the enforcement of out-of-state orders of support. (A.11212-A; Passed Assembly/Sen. Rules) Minimum Wage Increase This bill would increase the hourly minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.75 as of January 1, 2001. The bill aims to bring the minimum wage up to pace with inflation in order to help improve the standard of living for working families. (A.10080; Passed Assembly) Family Leave This bill would allow public and private employees to use their sick leave to care for ill or injured children after they have used all their personal leave. Under the bill, an employee's sick time also could be used to take care of his or her parents. (A.5446; Passed Assembly) Protections For Domestic Violence Victims The bill would prohibit employers from discriminating against employees who are victims of domestic violence and are absent from work due to court appearances. (A.9867-A; Passed Assembly/S.6433-A; Rules) Increased Hourly Wage for Restaurant Workers This bill increases the hourly wage for restaurant workers by adjusting the tip allowance under the law. This is the amount of tips an employer can attribute toward meeting the minimum hourly wage rate. (A.10250-A / S.7198-A; Chapter 14) SIF Investment And Independent Medical Examiners This bill would expand protections for injured workers and provide more investment opportunities for the State Insurance Fund (SIF). Under the bill, independent medical exams must be performed by a physician that is state licensed and board certified. The bill would require that a hearing be conducted before an individual's workers' compensation benefits are reduced. The bill also would provide more investment options for the SIF, which the current law restricts to only highly rated bonds. (A.11473 / S.8176; Chapter 473) Health-Care Whistle-Blower Protection The bill would provide protections to workers of health-care facilities who report violations of the law to the news media. Under the bill, employers would be barred from firing an employee who provides information to the media about the practices and policies of a health-care facility that creates a risk to the public's health or safety. (A.11435 / S.8133; Passed both houses) Municipal Aid The bill would increase the debt limit of New York City's Transitional Finance Authority by $4 billion, raising it from $7.5 billion to $11.5 billion; assist the school districts of Buffalo and Yonkers with 30 year loans of $20 million and $6 million, respectively and advances the cities school aid lottery payments for the current school year; and provide a $30 million appropriation to the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority. (A.11447 / S.8167; Chapter 88) Nassau County Finance Authority This bill would establish the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) in order to provide oversight and, if necessary, control, over the county of Nassau's budget and financial plan, and to provide financing for the county through the issuance of bonds backed by county sales tax revenue. The board would be comprised of four appointments by the governor, one each upon the recommendation of the Senate and the Assembly and one by the state comptroller. The bill also would include a provision to provide additional state funding to close future Nassau County deficits, subject to the approval of the state Legislature (A.11443 / S.7930-A; Chapter 84) Jet Ski Local Government Restrictions This bill would clarify the authority of cities, towns, and villages to regulate the use of personal watercraft, commonly known as "jet skis." The bill, would specifically allow municipalities to designate the bodies of water where 'Jet skis' are permitted or prohibited, the hours when the may be operated and the speed to which they must be limited. (A.8097-D; / S.5309-C; Chapter 415) Private Activity Bond Cap Allocation This bill would conform an allocation process for state and local issues of private activity bond insurance to applicable provisions of federal tax law. (A.11339 / S.6985-A; Chapter 100r) Wireless 911 Standards The bill authorizes counties to receive wireless 911 calls. This bill also would establish standards and technical capabilities in the dispatching of emergency services for wireless 911 calls across New York State. The bill would create a New York State 911 board which would adopt guidelines that include the organization and operation of 911 dispatch centers, acceptable response times and technology or capabilities to serve persons with disabilities. (A.11379 / S.8088; Veto 32) Insurance Parity This bills seeks to provide parity for insurance coverage of mental illness with that offered for other physical illnesses. (A.6235; Passed Assembly) Continued Review of Mental-Health Special-Needs Plans This bill would continue the authorization of the Special Needs Plans and provide for the appointment of independent actuaries to review the reimbursement rates proposed by the state Office of Mental Health. (A.11213; Passed Assembly) STAR Participation Increase This bill aims to increase the number of taxpayers who are participating in the STAR program's real property tax benefits. Under the bill, school districts would be required to provide annual notices to all homeowners to ensure that every school district taxpayer takes advantage of STAR's lower taxes.(A.8359; Passed Assembly ) STAR Pass On To Mobile Homeowners The bill would guarantee that those living in mobile homes receive STAR's tax-cut benefits by requiring the owners of manufactured home parks to provide STAR savings to their tenants within 30 days. (A.9370-A; Passed Assembly) STAR For Mitchell Lama Residents This bill would make families of Mitchell-Lama housing cooperatives eligible for STAR with respect to 1999 and 2000 assessment roles. Under the bill, and estimated 63,500 families, mostly living in New York City, would benefit from STAR. (A.8603-A; Passed Assembly / S.6083-A; Local Government) Collecting Unpaid Taxes This bill would enable local governments to sell their delinquent real property taxes and stabilize revenue collections by authorizing the New York State Municipal Bond Bank to purchase liens and issue obligations secured by the tax liens. (A.1303-A /S.4692-A; Chapter 203) Moratorium On Utility Valuation This bill would delay for one year the affect of volatile assessments on utility property due to deregulation (A.11446 / S.8115; Chapter 191). Helping Small Businesses Comply With Clean Air Requirements This bill would establish a Small Business Environmental Compliance Fund that would provide loans of up to $20,000 for equipment or working capital for businesses to comply with the requirements of the federal and state clean air statutes. (A.549; Passed Assembly) Compliance Guidelines For Businesses Under this bill, state regulatory agencies would be required to prepare compliance guidelines for businesses with explanations of the steps needed to meet regulations and laws. (A.1448-A; Passed Assembly / S.5180-B; Rules) Small Business Pollution Prevention And Environmental Compliance This bill would authorize the state Department of Economic Development to provide information and services to small businesses in securing financial and technical aid from state or private sources for pollution prevention and environmental compliance. (A.551; Passed Assembly) Low-Interest Loans To Small Businesses And Start-ups This bill would allow credit unions to partake in the Excelsior Linked Deposit Program that provides low-interest loans to small and start-up businesses. The bill also would authorize the New York Business Development Corporation to conduct a feasibility study of purchasing small-business loans and having government agencies create loan pools. Under the bill's provisions small business loan database would also be created. (A.2565; Passed Assembly) Work And Wellness Act of 2000 The Work and Wellness Act of 2000 would enable disabled workers to buy-in to the Medicaid program by paying premiums on a sliding scale based on income. Under the bill, disabled individuals could enter the work force without forfeiting their Medicaid health-care coverage. (A.10159-A; Passed Assembly/S.7392-A; Sen. Rules) Promoting Work-Study For Welfare Participants This bill would allow welfare participants who attend college to participate in work-study and internships to meet work requirements mandated under welfare reform standards. (A.8475-A / S.8079; Chapter 534) Ticket Scalping This bill would extend the regulation of ticket sales for boxing, wrestling and other sporting and entertainment events until June 1, 2001. It is aimed at halting the "ticket scalping," the reselling of hard-to-get tickets to popular events at exorbitant prices.(S.6802; Chapter 42) Local Tourism Promotion This bill would provide greater flexibility in local tourism promotion. The bill would allow cross-border tourism campaigns between New York and Canada, within guidelines established by the state Department of Economic Development. (A.8915-A / S.8042; Chapter 169) Arts And Cultural Affairs Law This bill would ensure that unlawfully obtained art is subject to criminal proceedings. This law permits art exhibited at museums to be held pursuant to a criminal court subpoena or other process lawfully issued through a criminal court. (A.9075 / S.6975; Chapter 39) Establishing Standards For State Athletic Commission In response to recent investigations of the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), this bill would establish selection criteria for NYSAC members. (A.10272; Passed Assembly) Boxing Scoring This bill would establish a boxing scoring system whereby the winner of each round is given 10 points by each of the three judges. It also would require that the consensus of the judges scoring for a round be employed in determining a final score of the round. Under terms of the legislation, the contest would be scored by adding the final scores of all the rounds. (A.10094; Passed Assembly/S.7801; Rules) Graduated Driver's License This bill would require that an applicant for a driver's license hold a valid learner's permit for at least 6 months and require that such applicants' parent or guardian affirm that the applicant has had at least thirty hours of driving under the supervision of such parent or guardian. (A.5583-A; Passed Assembly) Transportation Bond Act This bill would call for submitting to the voters this fall a $3.8 billion transportation bond act, the revenues from which will be used to fund mass transit and road and bridge projects statewide. The bill also includes a commitment for a full-length Second Avenue Subway in Manhattan.(A.11004 / S.7832; Chapter 58) Transportation Budget Bill This bill would provide $9.37 million in additional operating aid to improve transit systems throughout the state; $10 million to enhance passenger and freight rail systems; $1.6 billion over five years for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which includes funding to help create a new, full-length Second Avenue subway line. The bill also would allocate $250 million to purchase environmentally sound clean-fuel buses, as well as fitting existing diesel buses with devices to reduce air pollution; $45 million to help the MTA and Long Island bus lines prevent fare increases and service cuts; and $300 million for non-MTA transit and transportation needs. (A.9503-B / S. 6403-B; Chapter 55) 65 MPH This bill would extend the authority of the New York State Thruway Authority and the Department of Transportation to establish a maximum speed limit of up to 65-miles-per hour on certain highways until December 1, 2005. (A.11289 / S.7855; Chapter 143) Additional speed limits bills:
Delivery Truck Back Up Accident Prevention This bill would enact
the "Joseph Robert Henderson Memorial Act. The bill would require
that every delivery truck with a delivery bay School Bus Safety Legislation:
DMV Records Restricted This bill would prohibit the Department of Motor Vehicles from disclosing personal information in motor vehicle records to individuls and solicitors, without the express consent of the affected person. Under the bill, the commissioner would determine what organizations and individuals would have access to DMV's data base. The bill aims to ensure that DMV driver information is not used for criminal or unscrupulous activities, while at the same time allowing legitimate access to the records. The bill is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.7413-C; Passed Assembly) Restrictions on Sale of DMV Information This bill would require DMV to secure expressed written consent from registered drivers before including their personal information in the bulk sale of registration information. The bill is designed to restrict the way DMV uses the public's personal information and improves the ability for registrants to control the way DMV disseminates their personal information. The bill is part of the Assembly's privacy package. (A.8110-A; Passed Assembly) Yonkers NYS Thruway Toll Plaza Removal This bill would call for the removal of the Yonkers toll plaza on the Thruway in order to reduce traffic congestion. Under the bill, the Thruway Authority would be authorized to take all necessary means to make up for the lost revenue. (A.1176; Passed Assembly / S.934, Transportation) Veterans Buy-Back This bill would provide for service credit for certain members of public retirement system who rendered service during periods of military conflict. It also would provide for credit not to exceed three years. (A.11380 / S.8101; Passed both houses) Speakers Education Program This bill would establish within the Division of Veterans Affairs a speakers' education program to supplement instructional and educational aspects of American military history. (A.1608-A; Passed Assembly) Return To Employment This bill would provide-private sector employees with the right to return to employment after ordered military duty in the organized militia or reserve force or components. (A.2995; Passed Assembly/S.5885; Rules) Not-For-Profit Veterans' Organizations This bill would lower the utility costs of Long Island not-for-profit veterans' organizations by requiring the Long Island Power Authority to charge domestic rates to the organization. (A.5588; Passed Assembly) Extension Statue of Limitations For Veterans Exposed To Phenoxy Herbicide This bill would extend the statue of limitations for armed forces personnel who served in Indochina and may have been possibly exposed to defoliants, such as Agent Orange, for two additional years, until June 16, 2002. Under the bill, veterans who served in Indochina from December 22, 1961 through May 7, 1975, or their family members, and suffer from an injury or death caused by contact or exposure to phenoxy herbicides would not be barred by the current statute of limitations from filing a cause of action. (A.9565 / S.6582; Chapter 26) Blind Veteran Annuity This bill would increase the annuity from
the state Division of Veterans Affairs for blind veterans or their unremarried
surviving spouses from $500 to $1,000 a year. (A.8573-A
/ S.6217-B; Chapter 435) - 30 - |
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