Albany, NY – Today, the New York State Senate passed two bills sponsored by Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale). One bill would provide transparency for New Yorkers struggling to understand their electric bills, while the other would streamline a legal remedy for animal shelters caring for allegedly abused animals.

Electric bills have become increasingly complex, with charges related not just to the delivery of electric services and usage by the household, but also a web of charges related to state legislative and regulatory mandates. Many of these charges stem from requirements by the Public Service Commission (PSC) as it implements the Reforming the Energy Vision, the states comprehensive energy strategy to help consumers make more informed energy choices, develop new energy products and services, and protect the environment while creating new jobs and economic opportunity. The first bill (A.8288B/S.6335C) would require utilities, the New York Power Authority, and the Long Island Power Authority to provide an annual transparency statement to replace confusion over what the charges mean and suspicion that the utility company is trying to obscure information with clear, transparent information so consumers may fully examine and better understand their bills.

Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome) is the sponsor in the Senate.

“Most consumers are simply unaware of the costs that utilities pass on relating to PSC requirements around delivering clean energy, upgrading and transitioning from legacy equipment, and moving towards zero emissions,” said Assemblymember Paulin. “They look at their monthly bills and still only see simplistic charges for delivery and supply services. An annual transparency statement will greatly assist customers in understanding all of the costs that go into their bill. My hope is that greater awareness will also yield more public interest and participation in future PSC proceedings.”

The second bill (A.062A/S.4796) clarifies that when not-for-profit humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and other sheltering organizations are housing animals who have been seized from their allegedly abusive owners, the sheltering organization may direct a petition for the posting of a security to the same court in which criminal charges have been filed against the alleged abuser.

The granting of these securities by the courts play an essential role in helping to cover the significant costs associated with caring for these victimized animals. In such cases, the courts require the accused to place funds in an account that can be accessed by the organization sheltering the animal. In many parts of the state, it is common practice for these petitions to be filed in the same court in which criminal charges are filed, but in others, jurisdictional questions and confusion arise. This legislation will clarify that such a petition may be filed with the court in which criminal charges have been filed, eliminating future legal delays in these situations.

Andrew J. Lanza (R-Staten Island) is the sponsor in the Senate.

“Because of jurisdictional confusion, shelters sometimes have to wait weeks or months before accessing funds to help with the costs of sheltering animals who have been victimized,” said Assemblymember Paulin. “This confusion is unnecessary, since the criminal court that brought the charges is almost always allowed to proceed with these petitions for securities. It’s also harmful, since the delays cost the shelter money and could compromise animal health and well-being. Our bill will streamline the law in accordance with what is already common practice and will provide more efficient support for these shelters.”

Both bills had previously passed the Assembly, and so will be sent to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for his signature or veto.