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NYS Seal For Immediate Release:
December 31, 2001
New York State Assembly
Significant Legislation 2001


AGING AGRICULTURE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
BANKS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES CITIES
CODES CONSUMER AFFAIRS CORPORATIONS
CORRECTIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
ELECTION LAW ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS HEALTH
HIGHER EDUCATION HOUSING INSURANCE
JUDICIARY LABOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
MENTAL HEALTH RACING AND WAGERING REAL PROPERTY TAXATION
SMALL BUSINESS SOCIAL SERVICES TOURISM
TRANSPORTATION VETERAN AFFAIRS

AGING

EPIC Eligibility Retention This bill would allow seniors to retain their eligibility for the state's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC). The legislation allows EPIC- enrolled seniors whose incomes increased because of cost of living adjustments in their public or private pensions or Social Security benefits to retain their EPIC eligibility. (A.5149; Passed Assembly / S.4342; Rules)

Senior RPT Exemption This bill would allow school districts the option to grant a senior citizen real property tax (RPT) exemption to otherwise ineligible seniors who reside with a child attending public school. (A.2692 /S.1895; Chapter 199)

Income Eligibility for SCRIE This bill would exclude from the definition of income any increases in a public or private pension when determining income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, as long as the increase does not exceed the Consumer Price Index in any given year. (A.3537 /S.4086; Chapter 500)

SCRIE This bill would grant local governments the option to increase the maximum income eligibility limit for the SCRIE Program from $20,000 to $25,000. (A.2650; Passed Assembly/S.733; Rules)

Green Thumb Expanded The bill would increase the Green Thumb Environmental Beautification Program's income limits in order to allow more senior citizens to continue in the program and to attract additional participants. Under the bill, income limitation increases would increase from $14, 600 to $15, 111 for an individual living alone, from $10,948 to $11,331 for an individual living in another's home, from $25,031 to $25,907 for a couple living alone and from $18,775 to $19,432 for a couple living in another's home. (A.4258 / S.2117; Chapter 253)


AGRICULTURE

Dangerous Dog Registry This bill would require the commissioner of the Agriculture and Markets Department to establish a dangerous dog registry and an advisory board to determine what steps the state should initiate to protect the public from vicious canines. The bill addresses an increasing number of reported dog attack incidents by requiring the state to begin tracking animals that have demonstrated violent behavior so that if these dogs are involved in an additional incident, the state can intervene, remove the dog and protect the public. (A.5113; Passed Assembly / S.2635; Rules)

Farming Protections This bill requires the commissioner of the Agriculture and Markets Department to consult with local government officials concerning local land use regulations, ordinances or laws. The bill would utilize the department's expertise to ensure that local laws do not adversely impact farming. (A.29B / S.3851; Veto Memo.2)

Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund This bill would create a microbusiness revolving loan fund to stimulate business enterprises that add economic value to New York home-grown products. Under the bill, loans would be made for start-up funds, working capital and the acquisition of machinery and equipment. (A.5800; Passed Assembly / S.3067; Rules)


ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Insurance Coverage Substance Abuse This bill would mandate that substance abuse treatment be granted parity with other types of health insurance coverage. (A.60; Passed Assembly/S.2512; Rules)

Compulsive Gambling This bill would create a fund to pay for treatment of compulsive gambling. The legislation aims to establish a permanent state funding stream to assist problem gamblers. (A.6023; Passed Assembly/S.186; Rules)

Indigent Care Pool This bill would create an indigent care pool to pay for uncompensated care for substance abuse treatment given by non-profit health-care providers to indigents. The measure would allow not-for-profit diagnostic treatment centers to be compensated for these services. Currently, the law only allows primary medical care facilities to have access to indigent care funding. (A.7360; Passed Assembly)


BANKS

Predatory Lending This bill would regulate high-cost home loans by prohibiting balloon payments and "loan flipping" and also would require that first time homebuyers receive credit counseling. (A.7828; Passed Assembly)

ATMs For The Disabled This bill would require automated teller machines (ATM) to provide audio and visual messages as a way to improve disabled New Yorkers' access to banking services. The bill is part of the Assembly's legislative agenda to meet the needs of the disabled. (A.5797; Passed Assembly)

Social Security Check Cashing This bill would allow senior citizens who may not have the financial assets to maintain a bank account to cash their Social Security check at any bank in the state upon the presentation of sufficient identification, even though they are not a depositor. (A.202; Passed Assembly / S.91; Rules)


CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Seamless Child-Care Assistance This bill would provide child day care assistance to families who experience a short break in employment. Under the bill, child care would continue without interruption for those eligible families who are committed to working towards self sufficiency, but experience a short break in their employment. (A.8709 / S.4861; Chapter 569)


CITIES

NYC Home Heating Sales Tax Repeal This bill would allow the City of New York to eliminate its four percent sales tax on home heating fuels. Under the bill, the New York City Council will have the option to repeal, either for a limited time or permanently, its four percent tax on sales of oil and natural gas used for home heating and other residential uses, either for a limited time or permanently. The bill responds to New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's request to roll back the sales tax on home heating oil only for 60 days. (A.3332: Passed Assembly)

Investment Powers Of The Board Of Trustees Of The New York Fire Department Life Insurance Fund This bill would provide a greater yield on investments made by the New York Fire Department Life Insurance Fund. Currently, the trustees of the life insurance fund are limited in how they may invest the fund's assets. This bill will give them the same investment options that are available to the trustees of the pension fund. (A.2042/ A.1360; Chapter 477)

Consumer Protection For The City Of New York/New York City Water Board This legislation would establish a four-year time frame for customers of the New York City Municipal Water and Sewage System to file complaints against billing records. Under the measure, customers would have up to four years from the date of the billing record to challenge New York City Municipal Water and/or Sewage System. The bill aims to provide consumers with an ample amount of time to correct billing mistakes that are occurring because of the transition to meters and changing rates and regulations. (A.9456 / S.5821; Chapter 467)

Providing Fiscal Security For The City Of New York This bill would extend the expiration date from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2002 for the City of New York to issue bonds and notes at private sale, subject to the approval of the state comptroller. (A.7323; Passed Assembly/ S.3815; Rules)

Coney Island Mets/Steeplechase Park This bill would authorize the City of New York to lease and make improvements to Steeplechase Park for use as the home stadium of a professional minor league baseball team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, a farm team of the New York Mets. (A.8865/ S.3761; Chapter 88)

Lower Manhattan These bills would extend the Lower Manhattan Energy Program (LMEP) to April 1, 2004. The measure would continue special rebates for eligible energy users in New York City. (A.9367 / S.5754; Chapter 118)

NYCIDA/Railroads This bill would authorize the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) to provide assistance to railroad freight projects that may lower transportation costs for industrial businesses, reduce truck traffic, decrease air pollution and improve overall community quality of life. (A.8381 / S.4256; Chapter 239)

Sale Of Bonds For NYC, Buffalo, Yonkers This bill would authorize New York City, Buffalo and Yonkers to continue the sale of bonds and notes through negotiated agreement, subject to the approval of the state comptroller. The bill aims to help the cities address unforeseen fiscal problems that may arise in their budgets or to expedite funds for projects that require immediate attention. (A.9367 / S.5754; Chapter 118)

Distressed Cities Aid This bill would provide $26.6 million in emergency aid to distressed. Under the bill, the emergency aid would be available to Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Syracuse. (A.5242; Chapter 91)

Transitional Finance Authority This bill would increase the bonding authority of the Transitional Finance Authority by $2.5 billion to help New York City rebuild from the World Trade Center attack. (A.9434 / S.5790; Chapter 297)


CODES

Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 This bill would create new crimes of terrorism and for making a terroristic threat. It also would create new or raise by two degrees the crimes of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism and for hindering prosecution of terrorism. All these new crimes are classified as violent felonies, with penalties ranging up to mandatory life imprisonment. The bill also would amend the state's death penalty law so that an intentional killing motivated by terrorism may be prosecuted as a capital crime. (A.60002 / A.70002; Chapter 300)

Falsely Reporting An Incident This bill would increase penalties for falsely reporting fires or bomb threats in large public facilities, including sports stadiums, shopping malls, airports and train stations. Under the bill, violators could face up to four years of imprisonment. (A.85 / A.357; Chapter 244)

Bomb Threat Crackdown This bill would increase penalties for falsely reporting an impending explosion and the release of hazardous substances. The bill would classify this crime as a violent felony and expand the law that bars the placement of false bombs to include the placement of any item appearing to be a bomb in a public building. (A.60003/ =S.70003; Chapter 301, A.60004 / A.70004; Chapter 302)

Children's Weapon Accident Prevention Act This bill would establish the crime of criminally negligent storage of a weapon, require retailers to post notices regarding safe storage requirements and create an education program to teach the public how to store a weapon safely away from children. Under the bill, gun owners would be criminally liable for the failure to store loaded firearms away from anyone under 18 years of age if that failure results in serious injury or death to any person. (A.5363 Passed Assembly / A.728; Rules)

Gun License Revocation This bill would suspend gun licenses for individuals found under the influence of alcohol or drugs while possessing a loaded gun in public or in a motor vehicle. (A.5363; Passed Assembly / A.7258; Rules)

Unlawful Wearing Of A Body Vest This bill would prohibit the wearing of a body vest while armed with a rifle or shotgun in the commission of a violent felony. (A.8527 / A.3678; Chapter 317)

Toy Gun Look-A-Like Prohibition This bill would ban the possession and use of real guns that are designed to look like toy guns. The bill expands the current law's "disguised guns" provision that prohibits the proliferation of guns that are designed to look like something other than a firearm. (A.833; Passed Assembly).

Son-of-Sam Legislation This bill would make funds of a convicted person available to crime victims. The measure would enhance the ability of crime victims to receive compensation for injuries and expenses that result from criminal acts. The bill enables crime victims to initiate a lawsuit under the "Son of Sam law" to recover money and property received by or on behalf of a convicted person from virtually any source. The bill would ensure that crime victims have access to funds paid to criminals. (A.9278 / A.5110; Chapter 62)


CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Identity Theft This bill would make identity theft illegal by providing criminal penalties for the unlawful and unauthorized use of personal identifying information. The measure would allow victims of identity theft who incur costs or losses due to adverse information being transmitted to a credit reporting agency to be eligible for restitution. In addition, a state identity theft prevention unit would be established to coordinate statewide activities aimed at protecting personal information and aiding victims in regaining financial health. (A.4939; Passed Assembly)

Consumer Funeral Protections This bill would establish the Funeral Pre-Need Act of 2001 This bill would prohibit funeral directors from receiving commissions or being paid for recommending to their customers various insurance products. This measure protects the special relationship between a funeral director and a customer and aims to avoid conflicts of interests. (A.7739 / A.3985; Chapter 557)

"Box Cutter" Knife Sale Restrictions This bill would prohibit the sale or giveaway of utility knives, otherwise known as "box cutters," to individuals under the age of 18. The bill is designed to prevent the use of these knives as weapons. Under the bill, individuals convicted of selling or giving "box cutters" to a minor would face a fine of up to $500. (A.174; Passed Assembly / S.92; Rules)

Laser Pointer Sales Prohibition The bill that would prohibit the sale of laser pointers to individuals under the age of 18. The legislation aims to prevent minors from causing eye damage to themselves or others from the misuse of laser pointers, a device useful to lecturers for visual presentations. (A.287; Passed Assembly)

Price Gouging Crack Down The bill would give individuals who have been charged excessive prices for goods or services during an emergency a private right of action, enabling them to seek restitution from those who engage in price gouging. Under the measure, violators would face a minimum penalty of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000. (A.4110; Passed Assembly)

Credit-Card Payoff Penalty Ban The bill would prohibit credit-card companies from charging consumers a penalty fee for failing to carry a monthly credit-card balance or pay off balances before the grace period ends. The bill aims to prevent consumers from being penalized for meeting their financial obligations or encouraged to carry debt, even though they are able to pay it off. (A.1870; Passed the Assembly).

Odometer Fraud This bill would establish a civil fine for misrepresenting the mileage of a motor vehicle for sale. Under the bill, violators would face a fine of up to $1,500. (A.710 / S.15049; Chapter 404)


CORPORATIONS

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.230 Passed Assembly / S.1261; Energy and Telecommunications)

Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment Corporation This law authorizes the Urban Development Corporation to issue bonds and notes in the amount of $155 million and the Pennsylvania State Redevelopment Corporation to borrow up to $160 million for the construction, development, design, etc. of the new Pennsylvania Station in New York City. (A.7914 / A.2953 Chapter 28)

EZ Pass This bill would ensure that information gathered electronically by methods such as EZ pass and Metro Card remain confidential. The bill also would provide certain exceptions in the cases of search warrants and certain civil subpoenas. (A.852; Passed Assembly)

Western New York And St. Lawrence Hydropower This bill would allocate additional, low-cost electricity created from the upgrade of the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) Niagara and St. Lawrence hydropower plants to regional businesses. Under the bill, of the 325 megawatts newly generated from the Niagara power plant's expansion, 250 megawatts would be dedicated to western New York businesses within a 30 mile radius of the facility. In the North Country, 50 percent of the new 75 megawatts would be committed to businesses within 100 miles of the St. Lawrence plant. (A.2858-B; Passed Assembly)

Metrocard This bill would require the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to refund to purchasers the unused portion of electronic fare cards (Metrocard). (A.1667; Passed Assembly)

Metrocard Refunds This bill would establish a procedure for the MTA to refund moneys when a vending machine fails to dispense a ticket, token or Metrocard. (A.2197; Passed Assembly)

MTA Website This bill would require the MTA to post certain operational and financial information on their website within 10 business days of the date when such information becomes available to the authority. (A.3548; Passed Assembly/ S.3578; Rules)

MTA Conversion Of Diesel Bus Fleet This bill would require the MTA to submit a long-range plan detailing their activity and strategy for the conversion of their diesel bus fleet to alternative fuel vehicles. (A.4301; Passed Assembly)

MTA Citizen's Advisory Committee This bill would establish a permanent citizen's advisory committee to the MTA. The bill also would provide this committee with the authority to examine and make suggestions regarding MTA's Capital Plan. (A.4534; Passed Assembly)

Subway Station Closings This bill would require the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) to hold public hearings prior to the total or partial closing of a passenger train station or public access to such facilities for periods that exceed six months. This bill would also grant any city resident to bring suit against the NYCTA if no hearings are held to discuss local concerns. (A.7204; Passed Assembly)


CORRECTIONS

Adult Offender Supervision This bill would replace the state's existing interstate compact for parole and probation supervision with an updated version provided by the Council on State Governments, in cooperation with the National Institute of Corrections. The bill would create a entralized mechanisms for rulemaking, enforcement of the compact and supervision of persons who travel or move from one state to another in accordance with state law. (A.9111 / A.3239; Veto Memo 21)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Job Creation The Assembly budget resolution included "Jobs Agenda 2001," a $470 million job-creation plan aimed at investing in high-tech industries, academic research and workforce training. The plan focuses on the state's strengths and unique regional economies and reflects the need for flexibility in tailoring economic-development efforts across the state. (Resolution 421; Adopted)

Resurgence Zones and Liberty Zones This bill would provide low-cost power to help in the revitalization of lower Manhattan's economy. The bill would establish the geographic boundaries for the Resurgence Zone, beginning at Houston Street, and a Liberty Zone, beginning at Canal Street. The zones would provide reduced power rates for economic-development efforts aimed at rebuilding downtown Manhattan. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

UDC Funds For Recovery This bill would authorize the New York State Urban Development Corporation to facilitate access to capital for businesses affected by the attack on the World Trade Center. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

UDC Regional Venture Program This bill would create a regional venture capital fund, administered by the Urban Development Corporation, for small-and medium-sized companies. (A.5172; Passed Assembly / S.2877, Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business)

Empire Zone Expansion This bill would increase the number of Empire Zones from six to 14. The bill would continue the economic success of Empire Zones to other parts of the state. Empire Zones, initiated in 1999 by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and members of the Assembly, have proven to be highly effective in attracting businesses and creating jobs. The zones provide businesses with tax exemptions, low-cost power and other economic-development incentives. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

High-Tech Industry Development This bill would establish a high-technology incubator program within the state Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR). The measure aims to establish a statewide program of financial assistance to these incubator facilities to encourage the growth of small, high-technology companies. Under the bill, eligible companies would receive assistance for their first three years of operation. (A.3124; Passed Assembly / S.3200; Chapter 147)

Small Business Preference This bill would require the state Department of Economic Development, Job Development Authority, NYSTAR and Urban Development Corporation to provide preferences to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the administration of economic-development assistance programs. The bill aims to ensure that small-business funding needs are not undermined by larger, higher-profile capital projects, for which the state economic development agencies have shown a preference. (A.1960; Passed Assembly)

Appearance Enhancement This bill would prohibit owners and operators of appearance-enhancement businesses, such as nail salons, from knowingly selling, using or applying to any person a substance containing monomeric methyl methacrylate ("MMA"). MMA is known to be a dangerous chemical and to pose a threat to public health. This bill also would prohibit owners and operators from knowingly directing their employees to sell, use or apply MMA. (A.9428; Passed Assembly / S.5783; Rules)

Excelsior Loans This bill would make permanent the Department of Economic Development's Excelsior Linked Deposit Program, which provide low-cost loans to businesses in distressed communities. (A.6769 / S.3398; Chapter 14)

EDUCATION

Two-Year Education Plan The Assembly budget resolution would provide the state's public schools with a two-year education plan of $3.4 billion in order to allow school districts to plan ahead. The resolution also would restore the governor's $1.1 billion cut in education aid and provide $1.7 billion more than what the schools received last year. The measure also would provide funding for early childhood education, class size reduction and teacher training. The resolution would continue the goals of the Assembly's LADDER program, first implemented in 1998, including aid to help schools meet higher standards, update computer technology and ensure building maintenance and repair. (Resolution 421; Adopted by Assembly)

Fingerprinting (Conditional Hires) This bill would allow for the conditional appointment of school districts, charter schools and BOCES programs to appoint employees while waiting for background-check results from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Under the bill, when an unforeseen vacancy occurs during the school year, the school may make a conditional appointment. This appointment will terminate when the school district is notified by the state of the background check results or in 20 business days, whichever is earlier. (A.8898/ S.3148; Chapter 47)

School Violence Cleanup This bill would make technical changes regarding school suspension, codes of conduct, school safety plans and uniform state violent incident reporting requirements. The bill would clarify the process of information sharing between the New York City school district and the state Department of Education. (A.9333 / S. 5768; Chapter 380)

Interagency Council For Services To The Deaf This bill would create an interagency council to coordinate services to persons who are hearing impaired. (A.7536; Passed Assembly/ S.4153; Rules)

Disabled Students This bill would require every school district and BOCES to develop a plan to ensure that all instructional materials are available in a usable alternative format for every disabled student. (A.7926/ S.4178; Chapter 377)

Safety Devices for Partitions/Room Dividers This bill would require electrically operated partitions and room dividers in schools and educational institutions to be equipped with safety devices. (A.8485 / S.5100; Chapter 217)

Roosevelt School District This bill would continue the existing oversight structure of the Roosevelt Union Free School District to March 31, 2002. (A.9459 / S. 5828; Chapter 383)

Transportation Of Students This bill would require school districts to return students who are on a school-sponsored field trip or activity to the point of departure. If there are circumstances that prevent this, a representative of the school district will remain with the student until the parent or legal guardian is contacted. The bill also would allow for a parent or legal guardian to choose an alternative form of transportation for a student, if the district receives a written notice. (A.5091 / S.2762; Chapter 70; A.9439 / S.5805; Chapter 510)


ELECTION LAW

Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2001 This bill would provide candidates in statewide and state legislative races with the option of accepting public campaign funds. Under the bill, participating candidates would be required to adhere to campaign spending limits and newly established contribution limits. The legislation also would restrict amounts that can be donated to candidates and political committees and ban soft money contributions to political parties' housekeeping accounts.

In addition, the bill would ban fundraising events by state legislators and statewide candidates within a 40-mile radius of Albany during the legislative session; improve campaign finance reporting procedures; close loopholes that allow corporations to avoid campaign contribution limits by funneling donations through subsidiary companies; require clear identification of the funding source for communication materials circulated in support of or against candidates; and empower local governments to enact public financing programs for local campaigns. (A.8524; Passed Assembly)

Excessive Contributor Penalties This bill would penalize corporations that exceed contribution limits. Under the bill, corporations would be fined for contributing more than the $5,000 the current law allows. (A.1460, Passed Assembly / S.101; Elections)

Bipartisan Ballot Information The bill would require that the information provided to voters on ballot propositions be prepared in a nonpartisan way by the State Board of Elections and mailed to voters across the state. It would require the preparation and distribution of pamphlets explaining how to register, vote and obtain absentee ballots. (A.243-A; Passed Assembly)

E-Filing Financial Records This bill would allow counties to require local candidate's campaigns and political committees that raise or spend $1,000 to file their financial disclosure forms electronically. Under the bill, financial disclosure forms would be filed with the board of elections using computer software. (A.5746-A; Passed Assembly)

Inaugural Committee Reform This bill would require that gubernatorial inaugural committees be subject to all campaign finance contribution laws that apply to candidates. Under the bill, inaugural committees would have to abide by the same expenditures and contribution reporting requirements that apply to candidates for public office. (A.123; Passed Assembly).


ENERGY

Emergency Ratepayer Protection Act This bill would provide consumer protections during a three-year transition period to a competitive market and establish a universal service rate, with a 25 percent discount on the first 200 KWh of residential usage. The legislation would expand the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and create a new program to provide similar assistance for seniors, as well as require electric utilities to develop energy plans in order to insulate consumers from fluctuations in wholesale power prices. (A.9000; Passed Assembly)

Energy Conservation and Investment Act This bill would require the Power Authority of New York State (PASNY) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to spend a combined $1.5 billion over five years on energy conservation measures and new technologies. (A.8976; Passed Assembly)

Gasoline Tax Exemption This bill would provide an exemption from state sales and use taxes on motor fuel and diesel fuel that exceeds $1 per gallon. The bill also would allow local governments, including New York City, to elect to provide such an exemption. In addition, the bill would provide authorization to New York City to reduce or eliminate the city portion of the sales tax on one or more sources of residential energy. (A.9090; Passed Assembly)

PSC Oversight This bill would require increased oversight by the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the types of costs that are recovered through automatic adjustments to gas and electric rates. This bill would require the PSC to examine the effect of higher prices that are passed on to consumers through these automatic adjustments on customer bills and to ensure that utilities are providing reasonable rates to retail consumers. (A.8980; Passed Assembly)

Energy Consumer Protection Act The bill would extend existing protections to residential consumers who choose alternate energy suppliers and prohibit "slamming," which are unauthorized changes in suppliers of natural gas or electric service. (A.8978; Passed Assembly)

PASNY Reform/Reliability Studies This bill would establish a commission to make recommendations on the future role, structure and governance of PASNY. (A.8979; Passed Assembly)

Elimination Of Automatic Pass-Through This bill would eliminate automatic utility price pass-throughs to consumers by requiring a PSC review to ensure that any costs beyond those already established in the rates would be passed along only if they are proven by the utility companies to be absolutely necessary, just and reasonable. (A.980; Passed Assembly)

Agency Energy Conservation Action Plan This bill would require the state Office of General Services (OGS) in coordination with the Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the PSC to prepare an integrated energy conservation action plan. Under the bill, the plan would have to specify the measures that state departments and agencies will take to reduce energy costs by 10 percent in 2003 and 24 percent in 2010. (A.8981; Passed Assembly)

Article 10 Generation Facility Repowering This bill would provide the state Power Plant Siting Board with an accelerated approval process for the repowering of an existing facility or the phase out of an old facility for a new, cleaner one. The measure would reduce the approval time from one year to six months. Under the legislation, plant emissions would have to be reduced by at least 75-percent to qualify for the accelerated approval process. (A.8952/ S.5443; Chapter 22)

Sales Tax Exemption For Super-Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicles This bill would waive the sales tax on the purchase of super-ultra-low emission vehicles (SULEV). The measure is designed to encourage more New Yorkers to purchase vehicles that will help save on fuel costs and protect the environment. (A.6646-A; Passed Assembly/ S.3637-A; Rules)


ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Brownfield Remediation Act This bill would enact the Brownfield Remediation Act in order to create a comprehensive brownfield site cleanup program and provide financial incentives for its implementation. Under the bill, a series of measures would be available to foster the rehabilitation of brownfields, including cleanup liability exemptions, community participation, public hearings and the availability of technical-assistance grants. (A.9265-A; Passed Assembly)

Brownfields Assistance This bill would authorize the UDC to provide economic support to community-based organizations in order to build community infrastructure on brownfield sites after they are cleaned up. The measure would ensure that parcels of land, which prior to clean up were once considered environmentally unsuitable for development, are eligible for UDC funding. The bill would help many communities revitalize and develop prime pieces of property for job-creation and other economic-development purposes. (A.9203-B; Passed Assembly)

Curbing Air Pollution This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to establish emission standards for mercury, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. These standards will help reduce dangerous contaminant emissions and protect the environment and public health. (A.5577-B; Passed Assembly)

Arsenic In Drinking Water This bill would require that the state Sanitary Code set a maximum allowable level for arsenic in drinking water at 10 parts per billion. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen that is also responsible for blood disorders such as diabetes. The bill would reduce the risk of these disorders and cancer by reducing the allowable amount of arsenic in drinking water by 80 percent. (A.8951; Passed Assembly)

Cancer Mapping Bill This bill would require that the DEC and the Department of Health combine data to develop a comprehensive map of the state that details incidences of cancer and the proximity of these sites to facilities that may involve materials responsible for producing these incidences. (A.404A Passed Assembly / S.4834; Environmental Conservation)

Cumulative Environmental Impact Statement This bill would require state environmental impact statements (EIS) to document the cumulative impact of a proposed facility's emissions. The legislation would mandate that the EIS not only include the proposed project's emissions, but also combine the emissions of the new and existing projects within a community. The bill aims to provide a more accurate account of emission levels that would be disbursed into a community in order to determine the cumulative impact of a facility on the local environment. (A.1328; Passed Assembly)

Lighting Standards This bill would establish lighting standards for local governments. The measure aims to ensure that municipal outdoor facilities are illuminated with lighting fixtures that are energy efficient and do not intrude on privacy. (A.5352 / S.3386-B; Passed both houses)

Open Waste Burning Ban This bill would prohibit the open burning of solid waste that can result in serious air-quality problems. The bill would address the findings of a number of studies that found that burning three to 11 pounds of household waste in a barrel or similar open container is equivalent to burning 200 tons of household waste in a modern, well-constructed incinerator. (A.7202; Passed Assembly)

Environmental Justice The bill would establish guidelines for the siting of facilities with environmental impacts in minority and economically distressed communities. The legislation, which the Assembly has passed since 1994, would require DEC to develop an equitable and fair siting process to ensure that a disproportionate number of facilities are not located in these neighborhoods. (A.471; Passed Assembly)

State Land Acquisition This bill would ensure that the natural-resource value of state-owned land is fully identified and considered before its sale. The legislation aims to ensure that state land is properly evaluated before its sale and is done in a way that is consistent with the state's land acquisition plan. (A.506; Passed Assembly)

Pesticide Phase-Out This bill would require the phase-out of certain potentially harmful pesticides used on state property. The bill also would call for the state to adopt a pest management plan for every state department, agency and public benefit corporation. (A.483; Passed Assembly)

Natural Gas Safety And Reliability Service This bill would require natural gas corporations to continue to respond to customer service calls involving safety and reliability and to perform certain minor services and repairs. The bill aims to ensure that basic customer services provided by natural gas utilities are not diminished. (A.1270; Passed Assembly/ S.579; Rules)

GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES

Civil Service Pay Equity This bill would require state civil service laws to implement a salary policy that equally compensates state employees for work of comparable value by eliminating wage inequality in job titles. The measure aims to remove current wage inequalities in state workforce job titles and classifications, which are based on segregating employees by sex, race or national origin. The bill is part of the Assembly pay equity legislative initiative. (A.236; Passed Assembly)

Pay Discrimination Prevention This bill would prohibit public employers from compensating employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth. Under the bill, employers would measure the worth of various jobs by measuring the skill, effort and responsibility normally required in the performance of work and the conditions under which the work is normally performed. (A.7012;Passed Assembly / S.483; Civil Service and Pensions)

Correction Officer's Contract This bill would permit state correction officers to seek binding arbitration in the contract process when an impasse is reached. It would expand the current binding arbitration law to include correction officers. This bill aims to provide a fair method for resolving contractual disputes and in turn to avoid strikes by employees who provide critical public safety services. (A.3938; Passed Assembly/ S.214; Civil Service and Pensions)

Binding Arbitration This bill would extend binding arbitration to police and fire unions in New York City and extend it for another two years to the unions in the rest of the state. (A.6612; Chapter 58)

Veterans Service Credit This bill would provide supplemental pension benefits to public retirees with veteran service but who were not eligible for the veterans service credit buy back because they retired prior to the enactment of that law. (A.4246; Passed Assembly / S. 2329; Civil Service and Pensions)

School District Retirees This law will extend until May 15, 2002 the prohibition on reducing health-care benefits to school district retirees unless there is a similar reduction for active employees. The legislation aims to protect the health-care benefits for public retirees from being diminished by prohibiting public employers from making changes that do not also affect active employees. This bill would enable retirees to count on the same level of health care without unexpected changes throughout their retirement years. (A.4248 / S.2308; Chapter 31)

COLA Law of 2000 This bill would increase the minimum pension for teachers who retired prior to July 1, 1970 and who did not benefit from the pension COLA Law of 2000.

The legislation would increase the minimum retirement allowance for members of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System who retired prior to July 1, 1970 to $500 per year of state service, up to a 35-year maximum of $17,500. (A.7913; Passed Assembly/ S.5327; Chapter 580)

Public Employment Earnings This bill would increase to $20,000 the amount a retiree can earn in public employment without a loss of pension benefits. (A.8345/ S.4401; Chapter 281)

Disabled Police Officers This bill would ensure that police officers injured in the performance of their duties are eligible for full salary during the period of their disability. (A.8587-A / S.5279-A; Delivered to governor)

Deferred Compensation Plan This bill would protect assets in the state Deferred Compensation Plan from bankruptcy proceedings. Under the bill, state employee deferred compensation funds would be exempted from bankruptcy seizures. The funds would receive the same protections that the current law affords to IRA, Keough and other retirement plans. (A.9113 / S.5491; Chapter 141)


GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Gender Neutral This concurrent resolution would amend the state Constitution's masculine references. Under the bill, the Constitution would be changed to include gender references of male and female. These amendments grant women parity in the Constitution. (A.3960 / S. 3733; Passed both houses, delivered to the Secretary of State; approved by voters in November)

Construction Emergencies This bill would extend until June 30, 2003, certain provisions of the law increasing the dollar-value limitation on contracts authorized to be let to meet construction emergencies. (A.9074/ S.3914-A; Chapter 73)

Crime Victims Board This bill would require a health-care professional who is experienced in treating and counseling crime victims be included as a member of the state Crime Victims Board (CVB). The measure aims to ensure that members of the CVB have the expertise necessary to evaluate properly the medical care crime victims may need in order to recover from their injuries. (A.5567; Passed Assembly / S.4812; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction)

Crime Victims Rights This bill would require police officers and district attorneys to inform victims about their rights and the availability of support services provided by the CVB. The legislation is designed to make crime victims better aware of their rights and services that are available to them. (A.1721; Passed Assembly / S. 4798; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction)

Sexual Discrimination Banned The bill that would prohibit discrimination based on an individual's sexual preference. Under the bill, sexual discrimination would be banned in the workplace, education, housing and on financial credit applications. The bill would continue society's vigorous pursuit for equal treatment of all and also would dispel the climate of fear in which some New Yorkers are forced to live. (A.1971; Passed Assembly / S.720;Rules)

Internet Privacy This bill would require all state agencies to adopt Internet privacy protection policies. Under the bill, state agencies would be required to establish protections that will ensure that information intended for transactions of a personal and confidential nature must remain confidential and accessible only to designated recipients. (A.2358-B / S.4624; Chapter 578)

Disability Accommodation Bill The bill would require public and government facilities to make reasonable modifications to accommodate the disabled. The bill is part of the Assembly's legislative agenda to meet the needs of the disabled. (A.4707 Passed Assembly)

Disability Driving Equipment Purchase This bill would authorize the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to establish programs to help reimburse those with disabilities who need adaptive equipment to drive. The bill provides for the purchase of driving equipment that includes wheelchair lifts, automatic door openers and adaptive and steering devices. The bill is part of the Assembly's legislative agenda to meet the needs of the disabled. (A.5248; Passed Assembly)

Handicapped Parking Aisle Width This bill would require the access aisles for handicapped parking spaces to be at least eight-feet wide and clearly marked. The bill would increase the width of handicapped parking aisles in order to provide for the operation of vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts. Under the legislation, the ability of handicapped drivers and passengers to enter and exit their vehicles would be improved. (A.4625; Passed Assembly)

Small Business Fee Relief This bill would require government agencies to "tier" new fees based on business size, unless otherwise precluded by law, and to review their rules to determine which fees should be changed to provide additional relief to small businesses. The bill also would speed the rule-making process for fee reductions and require additional reviews when government agencies propose to increase regulatory fees. The bill aims to ensure that small businesses are not required to pay the higher fees assessed to larger businesses. (A.4130; Passed Assembly)


HEALTH

Nursing-Home And Health-Care Cuts Restored This Assembly budget resolution would restore the governor's cuts to Medicaid in order to secure $327 million in state, federal and local funds to help nursing homes and home health care services deliver quality care. The resolution also would reserve $100 million in new funding to address nursing home quality-of-care and staffing issues. The measure also would raise the income eligibility for Child Health Plus so a family of four with a gross annual income of up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level of $52,950 would qualify. The budget plan also would restore the governor's $7.9 million funding cut for AIDS-related services and add $17 million in new funding for programs that provide education, outreach and support services to those with AIDS. (Resolution 421; Adopted)

Infant Shaking Prevention This bill would require that mothers of infants be provided with information explaining the dangers of "Shaken Baby Syndrome" and how to prevent it.

Under the bill, hospitals across the state would be required to provide maternity patients with information, prepared by the state Health Department, that explains the irreversible harm and injury baby shaking can cause and what steps can be taken to protect babies from this violent assault. The bill would require that hospitals that repeatedly fail to make this information available to mothers be fined up to $500. (A.2208 / S.5436; Chapter 121)

Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment This bill would extend Medicaid coverage for breast and cervical cancer treatment for women under 65 who have been screened under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention program and do not have health insurance coverage. The bill also would extend coverage to women 65 and over and who are eligible for Medicare. Under the measure the coverage is limited to the period during which care is necessary. (A.5547; Passed Assembly / S.4465; Health)

Breast Cancer Grants This bill would authorize the Health Department to award grants for community-based breast cancer detection, counseling, outreach and education programs. The bill also would require community-based organizations accepting these grants to have breast cancer survivors in decision-making positions and to provide a range of cancer education support services free of charge. (A.4036-B; Passed Assembly)

Breast Cancer Advocate The bill would expand the number of breast cancer survivors or sufferers on the state Health Research Science Board from one non-voting person appointed by the board to 10 voting persons who have first-hand experience with disease. The bill also would allow the Legislature and the governor to appoint an individual who has first hand experience with the disease to serve on the board. (A.5681; Passed Assembly)

Nursing-Home Staffing This bill would establish basic staffing requirements and create an "Advisory Council on Nursing Home Staffing" to evaluate the current nursing-home staffing crisis and to make recommendations to ensure appropriate staff levels. (A.4171-A; Passed Assembly)

Tobacco Product Display This bill would prohibit merchants from displaying tobacco products in a way that minors could easily access. Under the bill, retail establishments would be required to restrict their display of tobacco and herbal cigarettes in order to discourage persons under 18 years of age from shoplifting a product that has been proven to cause health problems and addiction. (A.1057/ S.4545; Chapter 568).

CHIP This bill would extend the Child Health Insurance Program (CHP) to March 31, 2002. The bill would ensure that uninsured children continue to receive quality health care. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

Child Care This bill would extend the Quality Child Care and Protection Act until December 21, 2002. (A.9459/ S.5828; Chapter 383)

Immunization for Children This bill would extend the expiration of certain demonstration programs in connection with the immunization of children. The bill would require the state Health Department to continue to monitor regional immunization database programs in order to ensure that the state's children are fully immunized. (A.8803/ S.4394; Chapter 65)

Immigrant Health Care This bill would provide federal Medicaid and New York State Family Health Plus coverage to 167,000 legal immigrant New Yorkers. The legislation would provide $3.8 million in funding for Medicaid coverage for eligible immigrants under the Assembly 2001-2002 budget resolution. (A.7774; Passed Assembly)

Obstacles to Enrollment This bill would remove the obstacles to enrollment and eligibility recertification for the Child Health Plus, Prenatal Care Assistance, Medicaid and Family Health Plus programs. The bill would ensure that these state health-care programs are free of obstacles that may inadvertently discourage eligible New Yorkers from participating. (A.7909; Passed Assembly)

Bad Debt and Charity Allowances This bill would extend provisions relating to authorizing bad debt and charity care allowances for diagnostic and treatment centers and certified home health-care agencies from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2002 . Under the bill, certified home health-care facilities that provide uncompensated services would continue to receive financial assistance. (A.9001/ S.4391; Chapter 75)

Recertification of Persons Providing Emergency Medical Care This bill would extend to July 1, 2006 a pilot program allowing certain emergency medical technicians to renew certification without requiring the completion of a written exam. This program was originally enacted as an alternative to the written examination required of emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians. The program needs to be extended to give the Health Department more time to evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative recertification process. (A.9043/ S.5509; Chapter 190)


HIGHER EDUCATION

Old Westbury Foundation This bill would change the description of land the State University Board of Trustees is authorized to lease to the Old Westbury Foundation. This bill also would authorize the trustees to designate and maintain approximately 300 acres of real property located on the campus at Old Westbury as open space and require the trustees to develop a stewardship plan for the institution's property. (A.9192 / S.5621; Delivered to the governor)

Nanotechnology Manufacturing Facility This bill would provide for the construction of a nanotechnology manufacturing facility at the SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNY IT) at Utica/Rome. The bill would clarify that the Urban Development Corporation and SUNY IT are authorized to enter into agreements that develop and allow nanofabrication and high-technology manufacturing. The legislation is part of the Assembly's job-creation initiative aimed at attracting to New York State facilities that are developing and manufacturing the next generation of semiconductor chips. (A.9200 / S.5610; Chapter 462)

SUNY Graduate Student This bill would ensure that graduate students in the SUNY system are paid, thereby averting any potential delay in compensating them for the teaching services they provide. Under the bill, state funds would be appropriated for members of the Graduate Student Employees Union in order to meet the last payroll of the 2001 spring semester. (A.8718 / S.5256; Chapter 29)

Cornell University Land Transfer This bill would provide a land conveyance from SUNY to Cornell University for the purpose of establishing the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. This bill would allow SUNY to transfer 78 acres to Cornell in exchange for a parcel of land owned by Cornell located approximately three miles from the proposed site. (A.9206-A / S.5659; Chapter 463)


HOUSING

Co-op/Condo Abatement This bill would allow New York City residential condominium owners and tenant-shareholders in cooperative buildings to be eligible for an abatement of property taxes levied for FY 2001 to 2003. The legislation also requires the city to present a plan to the Legislature by December 31, 2002 for addressing the problem of disparate tax treatment between class one residential properties and class two cooperative and condominium properties. (A.6739; Passed Assembly)

Loft Law Extender The bill would renew loft law protections by extending the law to March 31, 2002. The loft law was approved in 1982, creating the interim, multiple-dwelling status that permits landlords to collect rents on residential lofts, most of which were created in vacant commercial buildings. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

Loft Law Protections This bill would extend loft law protections to residents living in buildings that have been designated as a "interim multiple dwelling." The bill would provide protections to New York City renters who moved into abandoned industrial buildings during the 1970's and 1980's. This bill would include buildings and structures occupied for residential purposes from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2001 as interim multiple dwellings. (A.5580-A; Passed Assembly/ S.3902; Housing)

Loft Law Legislation The bill would extend rent protections to residents of loft apartments through 2007. (A.5579; Passed Assembly/ S.3892; Housing)

Housing Authority Tax Exemptions This bill would continue state and local tax exemptions to housing authorities across the state for another 60 years in order to ensure HUD funding eligibility. This measure is necessary in order to provide affordable housing to the state's low-income population. (A.697 / S.5230; Chapter 352)

Penn South This bill would enhance and extend tax exemptions for mutual redevelopment companies in New York City. Under the bill, real-estate tax exemptions would continue for housing units in Penn South, a naturally occurring retirement community in Manhattan. (A.6641-B; Passed Assembly)

Housing Agency Borrowing Increased This bill would increase the maximum aggregate bonding authority of New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to $5.63 billion. The increased bonding will provide HFA with additional funds to finance low-income housing developments. (A.8761/ S.5132; Chapter 363)

Multi-Family Housing This bill would extend the effectiveness of the New York City Housing Development Corporation's powers for the financing of multi-family housing until June 30, 2003. The bill aims to continue the state's efforts to provide affordable housing for the state's middle and low-income citizens. (A.8762/ S.5123; Chapter 80)

SONYMA This bill would extend the authority of State Office New York Mortgage Agency to purchase forward commitment mortgages and increase the maximum amount of new money tax-exempt bonds that SONYMA may issue until July 16, 2002. The bill would continue SONYMA's ability to provide financing for the low and moderate-income housing market. (A.8763-A/ S.5119-A; Chapter 111)

Mortgage Insurance Fund Continued This bill would extend until July 16, 2003, the expiration of certain powers of the state of the SONYMA insurance fund. The legislation would continue to provide funding to secure low-interest loans made by the banking industry to under-served communities. (A.8764-A/ S.5118-A; Chapter 110)

UDAAP Extender This bill would extend New York City's authorization to provide rehabilitation loans and restructure rents as prescribed by the Urban Development Action Area Program (UDAAP) until June 30, 2006. The bill continues the city's authority to prevent residential buildings from being foreclosed on and keep them available to New Yorkers in need of affordable housing. (A.3996 S.4918; Chapter 85)


INSURANCE

No-Fault Reform This bill would enact the Omnibus No-Fault Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

The bill aims to combat fraud in the auto insurance market by targeting the growing number of individuals and professionals involved in exploiting the state's no-fault system. The legislation also would: authorize county district attorneys to appoint a special fraud prosecutor; provide greater oversight of medical benefits and increase penalties for rip-off artists. Under the bill, violators would face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 or double the amount of the criminal gain. (A.8654-D; 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.2003; Passed Assembly)

Women Health Screening This bill would require insurers to provide coverage for the screening and treatment of osteoporosis. The legislation would also remove deductibles or co-payments for mammography screenings and cervical cytology screenings and expand the coverage to include multi-state policies. (A.2006; Passed Assembly)

Breast Cancer Prevention The bill would require insurers to provide coverage for annual mammography screenings for all women more than 40 years old. The measure would provide significant protections against breast cancer since several studies have shown that mamographies performed on women less than 50 years of age reduces cancer deaths by 30 percent. (A.2004; Passed Assembly / S.1132; Insurance)

Contraception Coverage This bill would require all health insurance policies that provide prescription drug coverage to include contraceptives. The bill aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for health care in order to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to affordable medical services. (A.2002; Passed Assembly / S.702; Insurance)

Health Insurance Hikes This bill would require the state Insurance Department (SID) to review health-insurance premium increases over five percent. The bill is in response to the alarming growth of rate increases that range from 10 to 40 percent. To ensure consumers are not strapped with unaffordable insurance premiums, the bill would require SID to conduct public hearings on rate-hike applications. (A.1084-A; Passed Assembly )

Medical Malpractice This bill would extend the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program to March 31, 2001. This bill would ensure that medical professionals in New York State have access to reasonable medical malpractice insurance. (A.9459; / S. 5828; Chapter 383)

Blue Cross Conversion This bill would make provisionBlue Cross Conversiondical or dental expenses indemnity corporations or health services corporations to pecuniary profit organizations. This legislation would ensure that non-profit insurers can convert to for-profit institutions in order to remain financially competitive in the health care industry. (A.7352; Insurance)


JUDICIARY

Jury Sequestration This bill would end mandatory sequestration of juries in felony trials in New York State. The legislation would return discretion to judges, make the court system more jury-friendly and is projected to save taxpayers an estimated $2 million a year. The bill would allow trial judges to order sequestration when necessary or appropriate. (A.8937 / S.5394; Chapter 47)

Pay Equity This bill would amend Article One of the state Constitution to require equal pay for equal work of comparable skill under similar working conditions. The bill aims to correct wage disparity and provide pay equity for all people who perform work of comparable skill, effort and responsibility. The measure addresses the current men to women pay disparity, a condition that discriminates against New York State women who receive only seventy-three cents for every dollar earned by men. The bill is part of the Assembly pay equity legislative initiative. (A.290; Passed Assembly)

Harriet Tubman Day This bill would designate March 10, as a public holiday to be known as Harriet Tubman Day. The legislation aims to recognize the lifetime achievements of Harriet Tubman who in the mid-19 century established the "Underground Railroad" to secure the freedom of blacks escaping slavery. Tubman's network of safe houses throughout the United States included Auburn, which became her base for delivering several hundred slaves to freedom. (A.4090; Passed Assembly/ S.2203; Judiciary)

New Uniform Commercial Code, Article 9 This bill would update the Uniform Commercial Code, Article (UCC) to establish a single statewide system for filing financial statements. The legislation would embrace new forms of borrowing, new markets for debt and changes in the technology now being used in the financial industry. The bill is designed to reduce New York State debt costs. (A.8959-A/ S.5404-A; Chapter 84)

Jury "Tipping" This bill would prohibit the "tipping" of a juror. Under the bill, violators would face a sentence of up to on year in jail. The bill would make it illegal to offer or accept a gratuity for serving as a juror in a civil or criminal court proceeding. Under the bill, violators could face a jail sentence of up to one year.


LABOR

Collective Bargaining This bill would allow employees to select a bargaining agent when a majority of workers sign a dues deduction card. The legislation would eliminate the previous process that required an election 90-days after workers checked off their preference for a bargaining agent. The measure would expedite and simplify the process for workers to unionize by using the number of deduction cards to determine the will of employees. (A.9202/ S.5617; Chapter 534)

Minimum Wage Increase This bill would increase the state's hourly minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.75 as of January 1, 2002. The legislation aims to ensure that the wages of working families keep pace with rising inflation costs and boost the earning ability of the many individuals who depend on minimum-wage jobs. (A.5132",$postyr); ?>; Passed Assembly)

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 create a risk to the public's health or safety. (
A.3259; Passed Assembly / S.5620; Rules )

Organ Donor Wages Bill This bill would permit state employees paid leave for organ or bone marrow donation. Under the bill, individuals employed by the state will be allowed paid leave to undergo organ donation procedures. (A.4138 / S. 114; Chapter 214)

Comparable Worth Pay Protection The bill would protect individuals from being paid less than their fellow employees who are performing comparable work. The legislation aims to reverse work place conditions that pay workers less than other employees even though their job performance, skills and qualifications are similar. The bill is part of the Assembly's pay equity legislative initiative. (A.7432; Passed Assembly / S.486; Labor)

Nursing Mothers This bill would require employers to allow employees who are breast feeding young infants to take paid or unpaid leave time to express breast milk for later feeding their children. Under the bill, reasonable leave time must be given for up to one year following childbirth. The bill would require employers to provide a room or other private location in close proximity to the work areas for mothers. The bill also prohibits employers from discriminating against mothers who wish to express breast milk while at work. (A.7200; Passed Assembly)

Farm Workers Fair Labor Act This bill would provide all farm workers with collective bargaining rights; require that farm employers give workers at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week; set in law an eight-hour work day for farm workers; and ensure farm workers receive overtime at time-and-a-half. (A.7207; Passed Assembly)

Summer Youth Employment This bill would establish a summer employment program for young New Yorkers between the ages of 14 and 21, with an emphasis on targeting 14 and 15 year olds. The legislation requires the state labor commissioner to develop a statewide summer youth employment program. The program would be administered by local governments to fill employment positions in municipal parks, recreational facilities and other community projects. (A.8372; Passed Assembly / S.5254; Rules)


LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Emergency Leave For Volunteers This bill would allow local government employees to take paid leave from their jobs for limited periods of time to volunteer for Red Cross disaster assignments. Under the bill, employee emergency leave would be at the discretion of the employer. The bill calls for an effective date of September 11, 2001 to include the many employees who volunteered to assist in the Red Cross response to the World Trade Center Attack. (A.2709-A / S.1518-A; Chapter 358 and A.9447 / S. 5794; Chapter 466)

Cellular-911 This bill would provide for the establishment and implementation of technology that would enhance the ability of public safety authorities to identify the location of a mobile handset 911 caller. (A.1215-A; Passed Assembly)


MENTAL HEALTH

Community Reinvestment This bill would provide for the continuation of the Community Reinvestment Act, which provides financial support for mental-health community-based services. This bill establishes a funding stream to guarantee a minimum 2.5 percent COLA for direct care workers for each of the next three years. The bill also creates the "Community Mental Hygiene Services Fund," composed of the proceeds from the sale of Office of Mental Health (OMH) properties and debt-service savings. These funds can be used to meet community-based agency needs for capital projects and operations. (A.7362-B; Passed Assembly)

Discharge Planning Process This bill would extend the OMH inpatient discharge planning process to community and residential programs. Under the bill, OMH community and residential patients would undergo the same level of discharge planning that inpatients receive in order to ensure a quick recovery and minimize the need for re-hospitalization. (A.3094; Passed Assembly)

Discharge Into The Community This bill would extend existing hospital discharge planning and monitoring requirements for patients to OMH facilities. Under the bill, OMH hospitals would have to comply with current discharge standards in order to ensure that discharged patients have the community-based support services necessary to enhance their long-term recovery. (A.3095; Passed Assembly)

Education And Training This bill would require the OMH to provide education and training to physicians and law enforcement officers in order to help them safely assist mentally ill individuals. The bill aims to prevent injuries when medical and public-safety personnel provide treatment to mental-health patients who are dangerous. (A.2908; Passed Assembly)

Commission On Quality Of Care This bill would extend the authority of the state Commission on Quality of Care. This legislation aims to clarify the commission's jurisdiction to assure that patients served in the community are able to have the conditions of their care and treatment reviewed by a program or facility funded by the OMH or Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). (A.1196; Passed Assembly)

Children's Bill Of Rights This bill would establish a Children's Bill of Rights in order to ensure that children in state residential care facilities receive appropriate care and treatment. This bill would require OMH, OMRDD, the state Education Department and state Office of Children and Family Services to develop rules and regulations that protect the rights of children. (A.3162; Passed Assembly/ S.1802; Mental Health)


RACING AND WAGERING

Casino Gambling/Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) This bill would authorize job-creating casinos in western New York and the Catskills, as well as video lottery terminals in various regions of the state. In addition to creating jobs, these initiatives will help offset the fiscal impact on state and local governments resulting from the September 11 terrorist attacks. The measure also includes a provision allowing the state to participate in a joint, multi-jurisdictional lottery game. As with existing lottery games, proceeds will be dedicated toward supporting education. In addition, the new law provides for a one-year extension of the Quick Draw video game. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

Aqueduct Race Track To improve the quality of the state's thoroughbred racing program, this bill would allow the New York Racing Association to eliminate 12 racing dates from its winter meeting at Aqueduct Race Track in Queens. (A.7315 / S.3831; Chapter 277)

Batavia Downs Race Track This bill would allow the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation to conduct live harness race meetings at Batavia Downs Race Track. The bill aims to boost harness racing in New York State, local employment opportunities and state and local revenues, foster continued agricultural development and promote other substantial economic-development benefits. (A.2164 / S.1582; Chapter 116)


REAL PROPERTY TAXATION

Nuclear Power Plants This bill would give local governments the option to reduce the real-property tax impact of nuclear-powered electric generating facilities to ensure a continued flow of revenue, so as to protect other taxpayers. (A.6639 / S.14; Chapter 87)

STAR Payment Schedule This bill would extend the payment schedule of the school tax relief (STAR) program through the 2001-2002 school year. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

STAR Deadline, New Owner Extension The bill would allow people who purchase property after the STAR deadline to apply for the tax exemption within 30 days from receiving title to their property. (A.4352; Passed Assembly)

STAR Illness Extension This bill would permit a filing extension to applicants who fail to meet the STAR deadline because of a death or illness in the family or other extenuating circumstances. (A.1768; Passed Assembly / S.2628-A; Rules)

STAR COLA The bill would provide a cost-of-living adjustment for the enhanced STAR income-eligibility ceiling. Under the bill, future COLAs to Social Security or other retirement benefits would not make seniors ineligible for the income-based STAR program. (A.7539; Passed Assembly)


SMALL BUSINESS

Pollution Prevention And Environmental Compliance This bill would direct the state Department of Economic Development, through the Industrial Effectiveness Program, to aid small businesses. Under the bill, the program would provide technical and financial assistance to help small businesses comply with state environmental laws and regulations. (A.427; Passed Assembly)

Clean Air Compliance Assistance This bill would establish a Small Business Environmental Compliance Fund that would provide loans of up to $500,000 for equipment or working capital for businesses to help them comply with the requirements of the federal and state clean air statutes. (A.606-C; Passed Assembly)

Low-Interest Loans To Small Businesses And Start-Ups This bill would allow credit unions to participate in the Excelsior Linked Deposit Program that provides low-interest loans to small and start-up businesses. (A.3550-C; Passed Assembly / S.4945-A; Finance)


SOCIAL SERVICES

Work And Wellness Act This bill would establish a Work and Wellness Act to enable disabled workers to buy into the Medicaid program by paying premiums on a sliding scale based on their income. Under the bill, disabled individuals could enter the workforce without forfeiting their Medicaid health-care coverage. (A.734-A; Passed Assembly/ S.1691-A; Rules)

Community-Based Services Waiver Program This bill would extend for one year the home and community-based services waiver program that permits severely disabled children to be Medicaid eligible and remain in their homes, rather than in a medical institution. (A.3536 / S.4858; Chapter 331)

Physician Case Management Program This bill would extend for one year the statute which guarantees Medicaid eligibility to public assistance safety net recipients enrolled in comprehensive health services plans. (A.3643; Passed Assembly/ S.4745; Health)

SSI Benefits This bill would provide an automatic increase for 2002 in the monetary standards used to determine eligibility and payment of Social Security Insurance (SSI) and additional state payments to the aged, blind and disabled to reflect SSI benefit increases that may result from any COLA occurring between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002. (A.7422-A / S.4094-A; Chapter 89)

Child Support This bill would extend for two years provisions relating to the enforcement of child and combined child and spousal support orders by the state Department of Taxation and Finance. Since 1997, this initiative has boosted child-support collections by more than $128 million. (A.7923 / S.3611; Chapter 68)

Suspension Of Driving Privileges This bill would extend for two years provisions relating to the enforcement of child support through suspension of driving privileges. As a result of this program, since July 1995, more than 300,000 deadbeat parents have made child support payments. (A.7924 / S.3613; Chapter 72)

Public-Assistance Eligibility This bill would extend for two years provisions that prescribe the resources and assets that are exempt and disregarded when determining eligibility for any public-assistance program. It also would increase the amount allowed under the automobile exemption and would allow savings of $4,650 for the purpose of purchasing or replacing a vehicle in order to seek, obtain or maintain employment. (A.8700-A / S4859-A; Chapter 207)

Lump-Sum Payments for Public Assistance Recipients This bill would allow public-assistance recipients who receive a non-recurring lump sum to use up to $25,000 of the money within a 90-day period to purchase or pay expenses for education or job training and still be eligible for public assistance. (A.9020 / S.4865-A; Veto Memo 52)

Food Assistance Program This bill would extend the state Food Assistance Program (FAP) for two years and provide FAP benefits to immigrants who are also victims of domestic violence. (A.8706-A / S.4863-B; Chapter 362)

Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility Program In an effort to reduce delays in moving patients to more appropriate levels of care, this bill would extend the authorization for hospital patient discharge to hospices and residential care facilities, under the state Medical Assistance Presumptive Eligibility Program. The bill aims to reduce delays that are sometimes encountered when moving patients to more appropriate levels of care. (A.8820 / S.4964; Chapter 145)

Medicaid Eligibility To encourage participation in comprehensive health services plans, this bill would extend, for an additional year, the provision guaranteeing Medicaid eligibility for six months to family assistance recipients enrolled in these plans. (A.8913 / S.5036; Chapter 79)


TOURISM

State Official Ban From Media This bill would prohibit statewide elected officials from appearing in television, radio, Internet or print public-service announcements paid for by taxpayers. Under the bill, the likeness, picture or voice of a state elected official or a member of the official's family would be prohibited from appearing in public-service announcements produced or distributed by the state. In addition, the bill also would require state agencies to submit a 12-month advertising inventory to the governor, Assembly and Senate that fully discloses a public-service announcement's content, cost and distribution. (A.3132; Passed Assembly)

Tourism Council This bill would establish an upstate and downstate tourism council fund aimed at strengthening the state's commitment to tourism. (A.9459 / S.5828; Chapter 383)

Summer Olympic Games This bill would provide for a bond guarantee to be shared by New York State and New York City for the purpose of enabling the New York City Olympic Committee to submit its application for the 2012 summer games. This guarantee is required by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee. (A.9459 / S. 5828; Chapter 383)

Ticket-Scalping Protections This bill enacts the Ticket Consumer Protection Act to protect New Yorkers from ticket scalpers who gouge the public with outrageous ticket prices to sporting, cultural and entertainment events. Under the bill, the current "no re-sale zone" outside an entertainment arena is extended to 1,500 feet. Violators face a fine of $1,000 or twice the amount of the defendant's gain and one-year imprisonment. The measure also would crack down on large-scale scalping operations by making it a Class E felony to pay or accept bribes in the sale of tickets. (A.9041 / S.5434; Chapter 56)


TRANSPORTATION

Cell Phones This bill would prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while talking on a hand-held mobile phone. Under the bill, violators will face a fine of up to $100. (A.9280 / S.5400-A; Chapter 69)

Reduce DWI BAC This bill would seek a crackdown on drunk driving in New York State by reducing the BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level at which persons are deemed to be driving while intoxicated from .10 percent to .08 percent. (A.8429; Passed Assembly)

Repeat DWI Offender This bill would impose increased penalties upon persons convicted of multiple DWI offenses within five years of a similar conviction. Under the measure, repeat offenders could be sentenced to imprisonment or community service. (A.8775; Passed Assembly)

Dependency Screening and Treatment This bill would require certain driving-while-intoxicated offenders to undergo a court-imposed alcohol and drug dependency screening or assessment and treatment if deemed necessary. (A.8430; Passed Assembly).

Boating While Intoxicated This bill would require courts to suspend a person's privilege to operate a boat upon a conviction for driving while intoxicated, and would allow courts to suspend a person's driver's license upon a conviction for boating while intoxicated. (A.2637; Passed Assembly/ S.1632; Rules)

Graduated Licenses The bill would establish additional criteria for the issuance of learner permits and driver licenses for those persons under the age of 18 years, in order to improve the safety of all motorists. (A.3513; Passed Assembly)

Booster Seats This bill would require motorists to place children aged five and six years in an appropriate child-restraint system, including booster seats. The bill addresses concerns that the current law's child-restraint provisions, which only apply to children under the age of four, leave four and five year olds without proper protection. The measure aims to address the problems associated with standard seat belts that do not fit young children properly and have led to serious and fatal injuries in crashes. (A.1262-A; Passed Assembly / S.419; Transportation)

Child Safety Seats This bill would require that persons operating a motor vehicle to transport children under the age of four and weighing more than 40 pounds use a booster seat or an appropriate child-restraint system. Under the bill, the booster seat would have to meet federal safety standards and be used in conjunction with seat belts. (A.3511-A; Passed Assembly)

Pick-Up Truck Safety In an effort to prevent serious and fatal injuries to children riding in pick-up trucks, this bill would prohibit a person from operating a pick-up while anyone under the age of 18 is in the cargo area. (A.3512-B; Passed Assembly)

Pedestrian Rights Of Way This bill would enhance pedestrian safety by requiring motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Currently, the law requires motorists to yield only to pedestrians in the same half of the roadway. In addition, the measure would encourage the development of new methods to slow vehicular traffic and further educate motorists and pedestrians to the rules of the road. (A.4300-A; Passed Assembly/ S.2666-A; Rules)

Residential Permit Parking This bill would allow the City of Albany to adopt a residential permit parking system within certain areas of the city. (A.6144-A; Passed Assembly/ S.3176-A; Transportation)

Lap and Shoulder Seatbelts This bill would require that both the lap belt and shoulder harness belt be worn by occupants of a motor vehicle when both are available in a given seating position. (A.8853-A; Passed Assembly/ S.5644; Rules)

Road Rage Prevention This bill would require that instructional materials for the curriculum for the mandatory pre-licensing course and for defensive driving courses, contain a component on "road rage" awareness. (A.5168 / S.1136: Chapter 536)

School Bus Stop-Arms The bill would require all school buses designed to seat 45 or more persons, manufactured for use in New York State on and after January 1, 2002, be equipped with a second stop-arm. The measure is designed to enhance school bus safety by providing an additional warning to drivers not to pass a stopped school bus. (A.7171-A / S.5545; Chapter 430)

Bus Passenger Safety This bill would prohibit school bus drivers from performing their driving duties if they have received a first-time DWI or DWAI conviction while operating their personal vehicle. Under the bill, bus drivers would be barred from operating a school bus during the suspension period required by the law. (A.7575 / S.704; Chapter 475)

Repair Shop Restitution This bill would direct the commissioner of the state Motor Vehicles Department to make restitution to victims of unscrupulous repair shops. Under the bill, restitution claims would be paid for from the civil penalties imposed on repair shops that violate the law. (A.8840 / S. 4600; Chapter 356)

Scooter Helmets This bill would require all persons under the age of 14 years to wear helmets when riding scooters. (A.1199-B / S.1078-B; Chapter 402)


VETERAN AFFAIRS

POW License Plates This bill would exempt former prisoners of war who are age 62 or older from paying motor-vehicle registration and renewal fees. (A.4244 / S.2306; Chapter 373)

Registration Exemption This bill would remove registration fees, service charges and renewal fees for distinctive license plates for various veterans association members. (A.4651-B / S.3146-B; Chapter 415)

Veteran Education This bill would authorize the commissioner of state Education Department to develop a program whereby any veteran of the armed forces who served in the Korean conflict and who was unable, for any reason, to complete a secondary education, may be awarded a high school diploma based on knowledge and experience gained while in the service. (A.9018 / S.1137; Chapter 284)

Military Ballots In an effort to ensure that military personnel are afforded every opportunity to vote, this bill would allow a military ballot that is signed and dated by a military voter and a witness to establish the date an absentee ballot was mailed. The measure would also extend the date by which a military ballot may be received by the local board of election from 10 to 13 days following the general election. (A.9455 / S.5822; Chapter 381)

National Guard Recruitment This bill would appropriate $300,000 for a recruitment and retention incentive program for eligible members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard and the New York Naval Militia. (A.9451 / S.5816; Chapter 372)

National Guard Protections This bill would guarantee that an individual who is called to New York State military duty will be provided the same job he or she left in the private sector upon returning from service. (A.1693; Passed Assembly/ S.1112; Veteran Affairs)

Paid Leave This bill would provide paid leave on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day to war-time veterans who are employed by public benefit corporations and public authorities. (A.1686 / S.1313; Chapter 434)

Real Property Tax Exemption This bill would provide localities with the option of allowing a veteran who sells and purchases a home within the same city, town, or village to continue receiving an already-approved veteran on real-property tax exemption. (A.1449; Passed Assembly/ S.500; Rules)

Local Real Property Tax Exemption This bill would give local governments the option of allowing veterans, who are otherwise entitled to the veterans' real-property tax exemption but purchased the property after the taxable status date, to take advantage of the exemption as of the date they purchased the property. (A.2057; Passed Assembly/ S.1357; Rules)

Blinded Veterans Annuity This bill would provide regular adjustments to the blinded veterans annuity. Under the bill, the adjustment would be indexed to the rate of inflation so that recipients will not see a decrease in the value of their benefit. (A.5133; Passed Assembly/ S.4132; Rules)

Veteran Spouses This bill would address the large numbers of unmarried military veterans and unmarried surviving veterans' spouses receiving Medicaid in nursing homes who are not receiving the federal Veterans Administration pension to which they are entitled. This bill would require nursing facilities to file applications for the federal Improved Pension Program on behalf of those veteran residents who are receiving Medicaid and are eligible for the VA pension. (A.7733-B; Passed Assembly / S.4023-B; Rules)

Veteran Fundraising This bill provides that charitable and service organizations may conduct certain raffles without complying with licensing, filing or reporting requirements, provided that the cumulative net proceeds for a one time event do not exceed $10,000. (A.1087; Passed Assembly / S.788; Racing and Wagering)

New York State Assembly
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