NY State Assembly Bill A6710B

Current Bill Status - Passed Assembly

Introduced
In Committee
On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
Delivered to Governor
Signed/Vetoed by Governor

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Actions

view actions (14)

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
May 04, 2022	referred to finance delivered to senate passed assembly
May 03, 2022	ordered to third reading rules cal.93 rules report cal.93 reported reported referred to rules
Apr 26, 2022	reported referred to ways and means
Apr 20, 2022	print number 6710b
Apr 20, 2022	amend (t) and recommit to governmental operations
Apr 18, 2022	print number 6710a
Apr 18, 2022	amend (t) and recommit to governmental operations
Jan 05, 2022	referred to governmental operations
Mar 26, 2021	referred to governmental operations

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

Original

B (Active)

Co-Sponsors

Multi-Sponsors

A6710 - Details

See Senate Version of this Bill:: S1852
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Executive Law
Laws Affected:: Add Art 26-C §§755 - 759, rpld §559, Exec L; amd §491, Soc Serv L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2017-2018: A8813
2019-2020: A3472, S8025

A6710 - Summary

Establishes the commission of the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing; requires the commission of the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to transmit complaints in matters affecting the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities to the vulnerable persons' central register; repeals provisions relating to the New York state interagency coordinating council for services to persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.

A6710 - Bill Text download pdf

 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   6710
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                              March 26, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  M.  of  A.  ZEBROWSKI,  QUART, BARRON, LUPARDO, SOLAGES,
   SIMON, DINOWITZ, GUNTHER, MONTESANO, RA -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of
   A. HEVESI -- read once and referred to the Committee  on  Governmental
   Operations
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  executive  law, in relation to establishing the
   office of the deaf and hard of hearing; and to repeal section  559  of
   the  executive  law relating to the New York state interagency coordi-
   nating council for services to persons who are  deaf,  deaf-blind,  or
   hard of hearing
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new  article  26-c
 to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 26-C
                  OFFICE OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
 SECTION 755. DEFINITIONS.
         756. OFFICE OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING.
         757. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
         758. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE.
         759. DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING ADVISORY COUNCIL.
   § 755. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND
 TERMS  SHALL  HAVE  THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO THEM IN THIS SECTION: "DEAF
 AND HARD OF HEARING" SHALL MEAN A PERSON WHO  HAS  PARTIAL  OR  COMPLETE
 LOSS OF HEARING INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND.
   §  756. OFFICE OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING. THERE IS HEREBY ESTAB-
 LISHED WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT THE "OFFICE OF THE DEAF AND  HARD
 OF HEARING".
   §  757.  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR.  THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE
 DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE WHO SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE  GOVERNOR.
 THE  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  SHALL  RECEIVE  AN  ANNUAL SALARY FIXED BY THE
 GOVERNOR WITHIN THE AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED SPECIFICALLY THEREFOR AND SHALL

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD05522-01-1

 A. 6710                             2
 
 BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL EXPENSES NECESSARILY INCURRED IN
 THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.
   § 758. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE. 1. THE OFFICE SHALL ADVISE THE
 GOVERNOR  AND  THE LEGISLATURE ON HOW THE STATE CAN EFFECTIVELY MEET THE
 NEEDS OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES.
   2. THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE ARE TO:
   (A) CREATE A  STATEWIDE  PLAN  TO  DELIVER  COORDINATED  SERVICES  AND
 PROGRAMS  TO  PERSONS  WHO ARE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING IN A MANNER THAT
 BEST SERVES THEIR  NEEDS  INCLUDING  BUT  NOT  LIMITED  TO  EDUCATIONAL,
 MEDICAL, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES;
   (B)  DEVELOP  A  PROCESS TO COLLECT AND MAINTAIN DATA ON THE NUMBER OF
 DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS IN NEW YORK STATE;
   (C) REGULARLY MAINTAIN A WEBSITE THAT SERVES  AS  A  CLEARINGHOUSE  OF
 INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF AND HARD OF
 HEARING;
   (D)  CREATE  A  REFERRAL  SYSTEM  THAT  RECEIVES COMPLAINTS IN MATTERS
 AFFECTING THE DEAF  AND  HARD  OF  HEARING  COMMUNITY  AND  REFERS  SUCH
 COMPLAINTS  TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OR ORGANIZATIONS IF NECESSARY OR
 APPROPRIATE;
   (E) COORDINATE WITH STATE AND LOCAL  AGENCIES  TO  IMPROVE  ACCESS  TO
 PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES;
   (F)  DEVELOP  STRATEGIES TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEAF
 AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS;
   (G) DEVELOP AND RECOMMEND POLICIES TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE  AS
 DEEMED NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES;
   (H)  DEVELOP  A MODEL POLICY ON INTERPRETER SERVICES INCLUDING METHODS
 TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SUCH SERVICES AND LICENSING  OF  QUALIFIED  INTER-
 PRETERS;
   (I)  PROVIDE  TECHNICAL  ASSISTANCE  TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AGENCIES OR
 OTHER  NON-GOVERNMENTAL  ENTITIES  ON  DEVELOPING  POLICIES,   PROVIDING
 SERVICES  AND  INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
 COMMUNITIES;
   (J) IMPROVE AND EXPAND ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE  TECHNOLOGY  INCLUDING  BUT
 NOT  LIMITED  TO,  RELAY  SERVICES,  CLOSED CAPTIONING, OPEN CAPTIONING,
 HEARING  LOOPS,  TELECOMMUNICATION  DEVICES   OR   OTHER   COMMUNICATION
 SERVICES; AND
   (K)  COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGARDING ACCESS TO HEAR-
 ING AIDS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED RESOURCES.
   3. THE OFFICE SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGIS-
 LATURE DETAILING THE OPERATION AND ACTIONS OF THE OFFICE  INCLUDING  BUT
 NOT LIMITED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STATEWIDE PLAN,
 POLICY  RECOMMENDATIONS,  AND ACTIONS TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH STATE OR
 LOCAL AGENCIES.
   § 759. DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING ADVISORY COUNCIL. 1. AN ADVISORY COUN-
 CIL IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON DEAF  AND  HARD  OF
 HEARING  RELATED  ISSUES,  ASSIST  IN  THE  DEVELOPMENT OF POLICIES, AND
 FACILITATE COORDINATION BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS  ON
 ISSUES RELATED TO THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY.
   2.  THE  ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL BE COMPRISED OF ELEVEN VOTING MEMBERS.
 ALL MEMBERS MUST BE NEW YORK RESIDENTS.
   (A) FOUR MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVERNOR,
 TWO OF WHOM SHALL BE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING.
   (B)  FOUR  MEMBERS  OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED IN THE FOLLOWING
 MANNER AND MUST BE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING: ONE MEMBER  OF  THE  COUNCIL
 SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, ONE MEMBER
 OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF  THE  ASSEMBLY,  ONE

 A. 6710                             3
 
 MEMBER  OF  THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
 SENATE AND ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  MINORITY
 LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
   (C)  ONE  MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE
 OFFICE OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING; ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL  SHALL
 BE  THE  PRESIDENT OF THE EMPIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF OR THEIR DESIG-
 NEE; AND ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE HEARING
 LOSS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE OR THEIR DESIGNEE.
   3. THE MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL  SHALL  SERVE  TERMS  OF  THREE
 YEARS. OF THE FOUR PERSONS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDI-
 VISION  TWO OF THIS SECTION, TWO SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND
 TWO SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR, AS DETERMINED BY  THE  GOVERNOR.
 OF  THE  FOUR PERSONS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION
 TWO OF THIS SECTION, THE APPOINTMENTS BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF  THE
 SENATE  AND  THE  SPEAKER  OF THE ASSEMBLY SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO
 YEARS, AND THE APPOINTMENTS BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE
 MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY SHALL SERVE FOR  A  TERM  OF  ONE  YEAR.
 SUBSEQUENT  APPOINTMENTS UPON THE EXPIRATION OF TERM SHALL BE FOR A TERM
 OF THREE YEARS AND SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER  AS  THE  ORIGINAL
 APPOINTMENT.
   4.  MEMBERS  OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION,
 BUT SHALL BE ALLOWED THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE
 PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
   5. THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL MEET NO LESS THAN TWO  TIMES  PER  YEAR.
 THE  MEETINGS  SHALL  BE MADE ACCESSIBLE TO THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
 COMMUNITY. A MAJORITY OF THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP OF THE  ADVISORY  COUNCIL
 SHALL  CONSTITUTE  A  QUORUM  FOR  THE  TRANSACTION OF COUNCIL BUSINESS.
 ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AND MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE  ADVISORY
 COUNCIL AT ANY MEETING THEREOF BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX MEMBERS OF
 THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
   § 2. Section 559 of the executive law is REPEALED.
   § 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
 it shall have become a law.

Co-Sponsors

Multi-Sponsors

A6710A - Details

See Senate Version of this Bill:: S1852
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Executive Law
Laws Affected:: Add Art 26-C §§755 - 759, rpld §559, Exec L; amd §491, Soc Serv L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2017-2018: A8813
2019-2020: A3472, S8025

A6710A - Summary

A6710A - Bill Text download pdf

 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6710--A
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                              March 26, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced by M. of A. ZEBROWSKI, QUART, LUPARDO, SOLAGES, SIMON, DINOW-
   ITZ,  GUNTHER,  MONTESANO,  RA,  ABINANTI, MAMDANI, ZINERMAN, DICKENS,
   McDONALD -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. HEVESI  --  read  once  and
   referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations -- recommitted to
   the  Committee  on Governmental Operations in accordance with Assembly
   Rule  3,  sec.  2  --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,  ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  executive  law, in relation to establishing the
   commission of the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing; and  to  repeal
   section 559 of the executive law relating to the New York state inter-
   agency  coordinating  council  for  services  to persons who are deaf,
   deaf-blind, or hard of hearing
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The executive law is amended by adding a new article 26-C
 to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 26-C
           COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING
 SECTION 755. DEFINITIONS.
         756. COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING.
         757. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
         758. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.
         759. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
   § 755. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND
 TERMS SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO THEM IN THIS SECTION:
   1. "DEAF" SHALL MEAN A PERSON WHO HAS PROFOUND HEARING  LOSS  AND  WHO
 PRIMARILY  RELIES  ON VISUAL COMMUNICATION, SUCH AS SIGN LANGUAGE, WRIT-
 ING, LIP READING, AND GESTURES, WHICH MAY  BE  USED  EXCLUSIVELY  OR  IN
 COMBINATION, OR WHO COMMUNICATES ORALLY AND USE SIGN LANGUAGE TO SUPPORT
 THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPOKEN LANGUAGE;

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD05522-08-2
 A. 6710--A                          2

 
   2.  "DEAFBLIND"  SHALL  MEAN A PERSON WITH VARYING DEGREES OF COMBINED
 HEARING AND VISION LOSS; AND
   3. "HARD OF HEARING" SHALL MEAN A PERSON WITH MEASURABLE HEARING LOSS.
   § 756. COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING. THERE IS
 HEREBY  ESTABLISHED  THE  "COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF
 HEARING".
   § 757. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT, AT  THE  RECOM-
 MENDATION OF THE COMMISSION, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION WHO
 SHALL  SERVE  AT  THE  PLEASURE  OF THE GOVERNOR. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 SHALL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY FIXED BY THE GOVERNOR WITHIN THE  AMOUNTS
 APPROPRIATED  SPECIFICALLY  THEREFOR AND SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSE-
 MENT FOR ACTUAL EXPENSES NECESSARILY INCURRED IN THE DISCHARGE OF  THEIR
 OFFICIAL  DUTIES.  THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL ASSIST THE COMMISSION IN
 CARRYING OUT THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION.
   § 758. MEMBERSHIP OF  THE  COMMISSION.  1.  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  BE
 COMPRISED  OF  NINE  VOTING  MEMBERS  AND  THREE NON-VOTING MEMBERS. ALL
 MEMBERS MUST BE NEW YORK RESIDENTS.
   (A) FIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVER-
 NOR IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
   (I)  THREE  MEMBERS,  ONE  WHOM IS DEAF, ONE WHOM IS DEAFBLIND AND ONE
 WHOM IS HARD OF HEARING;
   (II) A LICENSED AUDIOLOGIST PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE
 OF THE EDUCATION LAW; AND
   (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATE-SUPPORTED SCHOOL FOR THE INSTRUCTION
 OF STUDENTS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND OR HARD OF HEARING.
   (B) ONE MEMBER  OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  TEMPORARY
 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE HARD OF HEARING.
   (C)  ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF
 THE ASSEMBLY. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE DEAF.
   (D) ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  MINORITY
 LEADER OF THE SENATE. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE DEAFBLIND.
   (E)  ONE  MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  MINORITY
 LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE A PARENT OF A CHILD WHO  IS
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND OR HARD OF HEARING.
   (F)  THE  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND
 AND HARD OF HEARING SHALL BE A  NON-VOTING,  EX-OFFICIO  MEMBER  OF  THE
 COMMISSION.
   (G) THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL APPOINT TWO NON-VOTING MEMBERS
 OF  THE  COMMISSION,  ONE WHOM SHALL BE A QUALIFIED SIGN LANGUAGE INTER-
 PRETER AND ONE WHOM SHALL BE A QUALIFIED REAL-TIME CAPTIONING PROVIDER.
   2. THE IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION  OF  CANDIDATES  FOR  APPOINTMENTS
 SHALL  BE  DONE,  TO  THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
 ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS REPRESENTING THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND  HARD
 OF HEARING COMMUNITIES.
   3.  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE COMMISSION   SHALL   SERVE   TERMS  OF  THREE
 YEARS.  SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS UPON THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH TERMS  SHALL
 BE  FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.  THE MEMBERS
 OF THE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT ONE OF THEIR MEMBERS TO  SERVE  AS  CHAIR-
 PERSON  DURING  HIS  OR  HER  APPOINTMENT  TERM OR FOR A PERIOD OF THREE
 YEARS, WHICHEVER IS SHORTER.
   4. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL  SERVE  WITHOUT  COMPENSATION,  BUT
 SHALL  BE  ALLOWED  THEIR  ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE
 PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
   5. THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AT LEAST FOUR TIMES   PER    YEAR.    THE
 MEETINGS  SHALL  BE  MADE  ACCESSIBLE TO THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF
 HEARING COMMUNITIES. A MAJORITY OF THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP OF THE  COMMIS-
 A. 6710--A                          3
 
 SION  SHALL   CONSTITUTE  A  QUORUM  FOR  THE  TRANSACTION OF COMMISSION
 BUSINESS.  ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AND MOTIONS AND  RESOLUTIONS  ADOPTED  BY
 THE  COMMISSION  AT  ANY MEETING THEREOF BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF FIVE
 MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION.
   §  759.  POWERS  AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL
 ADVISE THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE ON HOW THE STATE CAN EFFECTIVELY
 MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES.
   2. THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION ARE TO:
   (A) CREATE A STATEWIDE PLAN,  INCLUDING  ANNUAL  UPDATES,  TO  DELIVER
 COORDINATED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND
 HARD  OF  HEARING IN A MANNER THAT BEST SERVES THEIR NEEDS INCLUDING BUT
 NOT LIMITED TO ACCESSIBILITY, EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL, HOUSING, AND EMPLOY-
 MENT SERVICES;
   (B) DEVELOP A PROCESS TO COLLECT AND MAINTAIN DATA ON  THE  NUMBER  OF
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS IN NEW YORK STATE;
   (C)  REGULARLY  MAINTAIN  A  WEBSITE THAT SERVES AS A CLEARINGHOUSE OF
 INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF,  DEAFBLIND
 AND HARD OF HEARING;
   (D)  CREATE  A  REFERRAL  SYSTEM  THAT  RECEIVES COMPLAINTS IN MATTERS
 AFFECTING THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES AND REFERS
 SUCH COMPLAINTS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OR ORGANIZATIONS  IF  NECES-
 SARY OR APPROPRIATE;
   (E)  COORDINATE  WITH  FEDERAL,  STATE  AND  LOCAL AGENCIES TO IMPROVE
 ACCESS TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES;
   (F) DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR  DEAF,
 DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
 JOB TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES;
   (G)  DEVELOP AND RECOMMEND POLICIES TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE AS
 DEEMED NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE  DEAF,  DEAFBLIND  AND  HARD  OF  HEARING
 COMMUNITIES;
   (H)  DEVELOP  A  MODEL  POLICY  ON INTERPRETER AND CAPTIONING SERVICES
 INCLUDING METHODS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SUCH SERVICES AND  LICENSING  OF
 QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS AND CAPTIONERS;
   (I)  PROVIDE  TECHNICAL  ASSISTANCE TO STATE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS,
 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AGENCIES OR OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ON DEVEL-
 OPING POLICIES, PROVIDING SERVICES AND INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY FOR  THE
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES;
   (J)  IMPROVE  AND  EXPAND ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING BUT
 NOT LIMITED TO, RELAY  SERVICES,  CLOSED  CAPTIONING,  OPEN  CAPTIONING,
 HEARING LOOPS, TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES, TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES, ALTER-
 NATIVE TEXT OR OTHER COMMUNICATION SERVICES;
   (K)  COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGARDING ACCESS TO HEAR-
 ING AIDS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED RESOURCES; AND
   (L) DEVELOP PUBLIC AWARENESS MATERIALS AND RESOURCES ON HEARING  PRES-
 ERVATION AND HEARING LOSS PREVENTION.
   3.  SUBJECT TO AN APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE, THE COMMISSION MAY
 HIRE PERSONNEL OR ENTER INTO CONTRACTS DEEMED NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION.
   4. THE COMMISSION SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO  THE  GOVERNOR  AND
 LEGISLATURE  DETAILING  THE  OPERATION  AND  ACTIONS  OF  THE COMMISSION
 INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION  OF  THE
 STATEWIDE PLAN, POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ACTIONS TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION
 WITH STATE OR LOCAL AGENCIES.
   § 2. Section 559 of the executive law is REPEALED.
   § 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
 it shall have become a law.

Co-Sponsors

Multi-Sponsors

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Details

See Senate Version of this Bill:: S1852
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Executive Law
Laws Affected:: Add Art 26-C §§755 - 759, rpld §559, Exec L; amd §491, Soc Serv L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2017-2018: A8813
2019-2020: A3472, S8025

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Summary

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6710--B
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                              March 26, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced by M. of A. ZEBROWSKI, QUART, LUPARDO, SOLAGES, SIMON, DINOW-
   ITZ,  GUNTHER,  MONTESANO,  RA,  ABINANTI, MAMDANI, ZINERMAN, DICKENS,
   McDONALD -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. HEVESI  --  read  once  and
   referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations -- recommitted to
   the  Committee  on Governmental Operations in accordance with Assembly
   Rule  3,  sec.  2  --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,  ordered
   reprinted  as amended and recommitted to said committee -- recommitted
   to the Committee on Governmental Operations in accordance with  Assem-
   bly  Rule  3,  sec.  2  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
 
 AN ACT to amend the executive  law,  in  relation  to  establishing  the
   commission  of  the  deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing; to amend the
   social services law, in relation to requiring the  commission  of  the
   deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to transmit complaints in matters
   affecting  the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities to the
   vulnerable persons' central register; and to repeal section 559 of the
   executive law relating to the New York state interagency  coordinating
   council  for  services to persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of
   hearing
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The executive law is amended by adding a new article 26-C
 to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 26-C
           COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING
 SECTION 755. DEFINITIONS.
         756. COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING.
         757. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
         758. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.
         759. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD05522-10-2
 A. 6710--B                          2

 
   § 755. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND
 TERMS SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO THEM IN THIS SECTION:
   1.  "DEAF"  SHALL  MEAN A PERSON WHO HAS PROFOUND HEARING LOSS AND WHO
 PRIMARILY RELIES ON VISUAL COMMUNICATION, SUCH AS SIGN  LANGUAGE,  WRIT-
 ING,  LIP  READING,  AND  GESTURES,  WHICH MAY BE USED EXCLUSIVELY OR IN
 COMBINATION, OR WHO COMMUNICATES ORALLY AND USE SIGN LANGUAGE TO SUPPORT
 THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPOKEN LANGUAGE;
   2. "DEAFBLIND" SHALL MEAN A PERSON WITH VARYING  DEGREES  OF  COMBINED
 HEARING AND VISION LOSS; AND
   3. "HARD OF HEARING" SHALL MEAN A PERSON WITH MEASURABLE HEARING LOSS.
   § 756. COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING. THERE IS
 HEREBY  ESTABLISHED  THE  "COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF
 HEARING".
   § 757. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT, AT  THE  RECOM-
 MENDATION OF THE COMMISSION, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION WHO
 SHALL  SERVE  AT  THE  PLEASURE  OF THE GOVERNOR. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 SHALL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY FIXED BY THE GOVERNOR WITHIN THE  AMOUNTS
 APPROPRIATED  SPECIFICALLY  THEREFOR AND SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSE-
 MENT FOR ACTUAL EXPENSES NECESSARILY INCURRED IN THE DISCHARGE OF  THEIR
 OFFICIAL  DUTIES.  THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL ASSIST THE COMMISSION IN
 CARRYING OUT THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION.
   § 758. MEMBERSHIP OF  THE  COMMISSION.  1.  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  BE
 COMPRISED  OF  NINE  VOTING  MEMBERS  AND  THREE NON-VOTING MEMBERS. ALL
 MEMBERS MUST BE NEW YORK RESIDENTS.
   (A) FIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVER-
 NOR IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
   (I)  THREE  MEMBERS,  ONE  WHOM IS DEAF, ONE WHOM IS DEAFBLIND AND ONE
 WHOM IS HARD OF HEARING;
   (II) A LICENSED AUDIOLOGIST PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE
 OF THE EDUCATION LAW; AND
   (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATE-SUPPORTED SCHOOL FOR THE INSTRUCTION
 OF STUDENTS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND OR HARD OF HEARING.
   (B) ONE MEMBER  OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  TEMPORARY
 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE HARD OF HEARING.
   (C)  ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF
 THE ASSEMBLY. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE DEAF.
   (D) ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  MINORITY
 LEADER OF THE SENATE. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE DEAFBLIND.
   (E)  ONE  MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  MINORITY
 LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE A PARENT OF A CHILD WHO  IS
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND OR HARD OF HEARING.
   (F)  THE  EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND
 AND HARD OF HEARING SHALL BE A  NON-VOTING,  EX-OFFICIO  MEMBER  OF  THE
 COMMISSION.
   (G) THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL APPOINT TWO NON-VOTING MEMBERS
 OF  THE  COMMISSION,  ONE WHOM SHALL BE A QUALIFIED SIGN LANGUAGE INTER-
 PRETER AND ONE WHOM SHALL BE A QUALIFIED REAL-TIME CAPTIONING PROVIDER.
   2. THE IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION  OF  CANDIDATES  FOR  APPOINTMENTS
 SHALL  BE  DONE,  TO  THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
 ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS REPRESENTING THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND  HARD
 OF HEARING COMMUNITIES.
   3.  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE COMMISSION   SHALL   SERVE   TERMS  OF  THREE
 YEARS.  SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS UPON THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH TERMS  SHALL
 BE  FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.  THE MEMBERS
 OF THE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT ONE OF THEIR MEMBERS TO  SERVE  AS  CHAIR-
 A. 6710--B                          3
 
 PERSON  DURING  HIS  OR  HER  APPOINTMENT  TERM OR FOR A PERIOD OF THREE
 YEARS, WHICHEVER IS SHORTER.
   4.  MEMBERS  OF  THE  COMMISSION SHALL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION, BUT
 SHALL BE ALLOWED THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY  EXPENSES  INCURRED  IN  THE
 PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
   5.  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  MEET AT LEAST FOUR TIMES   PER  YEAR.  THE
 MEETINGS SHALL BE MADE ACCESSIBLE TO THE DEAF,  DEAFBLIND  AND  HARD  OF
 HEARING  COMMUNITIES. A MAJORITY OF THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMIS-
 SION SHALL  CONSTITUTE  A  QUORUM  FOR  THE   TRANSACTION OF  COMMISSION
 BUSINESS.    ACTION  MAY BE TAKEN AND MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY
 THE COMMISSION AT ANY MEETING THEREOF BY THE AFFIRMATIVE  VOTE  OF  FIVE
 MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION.
   §  759.  POWERS  AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL
 ADVISE THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE ON HOW THE STATE CAN EFFECTIVELY
 MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES.
   2. THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION ARE TO:
   (A) CREATE A STATEWIDE PLAN,  INCLUDING  ANNUAL  UPDATES,  TO  DELIVER
 COORDINATED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND
 HARD  OF  HEARING IN A MANNER THAT BEST SERVES THEIR NEEDS INCLUDING BUT
 NOT LIMITED TO ACCESSIBILITY, EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL, HOUSING, AND EMPLOY-
 MENT SERVICES.  THE COMMISSION SHALL COORDINATE WITH OTHER  STATE  AGEN-
 CIES,  AND  THE  COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND, AS APPROPRIATE, WHEN CREATING
 THEIR STATE PLAN TO DELIVER COORDINATED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS;
   (B) DEVELOP A PROCESS TO COLLECT AND MAINTAIN DATA ON  THE  NUMBER  OF
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS IN NEW YORK STATE;
   (C)  REGULARLY  MAINTAIN  A  WEBSITE THAT SERVES AS A CLEARINGHOUSE OF
 INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF,  DEAFBLIND
 AND HARD OF HEARING;
   (D)  CREATE  A  REFERRAL  SYSTEM  THAT  RECEIVES COMPLAINTS IN MATTERS
 AFFECTING THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES AND REFERS
 SUCH COMPLAINTS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OR ORGANIZATIONS  IF  NECES-
 SARY OR APPROPRIATE, PROVIDED HOWEVER, IF SUCH COMPLAINT IS A REPORTABLE
 INCIDENT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ELEVEN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW, IT SHALL
 BE  FORWARDED  TO  THE  VULNERABLE  PERSONS' CENTRAL REGISTER OR IF SUCH
 COMPLAINT IS A CRIMINAL MATTER, IT SHALL BE FORWARDED TO THE APPROPRIATE
 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY;
   (E) COORDINATE WITH FEDERAL,  STATE  AND  LOCAL  AGENCIES  TO  IMPROVE
 ACCESS TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES;
   (F)  DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEAF,
 DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
 JOB TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES;
   (G) DEVELOP AND RECOMMEND POLICIES TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE  AS
 DEEMED  NECESSARY  TO  ASSIST  THE  DEAF,  DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING
 COMMUNITIES;
   (H) DEVELOP A MODEL POLICY  ON  INTERPRETER  AND  CAPTIONING  SERVICES
 INCLUDING  METHODS  TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SUCH SERVICES AND LICENSING OF
 QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS AND CAPTIONERS;
   (I) PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE  AGENCIES  AND  DEPARTMENTS,
 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AGENCIES OR OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ON DEVEL-
 OPING  POLICIES, PROVIDING SERVICES AND INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE
 DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES;
   (J) IMPROVE AND EXPAND ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE  TECHNOLOGY  INCLUDING  BUT
 NOT  LIMITED  TO,  RELAY  SERVICES,  CLOSED CAPTIONING, OPEN CAPTIONING,
 HEARING LOOPS, TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES, TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES, ALTER-
 NATIVE TEXT OR OTHER COMMUNICATION SERVICES;
 A. 6710--B                          4
 
   (K) COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGARDING ACCESS TO  HEAR-
 ING AIDS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED RESOURCES; AND
   (L)  DEVELOP PUBLIC AWARENESS MATERIALS AND RESOURCES ON HEARING PRES-
 ERVATION AND HEARING LOSS PREVENTION.
   3. SUBJECT TO AN APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE, THE COMMISSION  MAY
 HIRE PERSONNEL OR ENTER INTO CONTRACTS DEEMED NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION.
   4.  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND
 LEGISLATURE DETAILING  THE  OPERATION  AND  ACTIONS  OF  THE  COMMISSION
 INCLUDING  BUT  NOT LIMITED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
 STATEWIDE PLAN, POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ACTIONS TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION
 WITH STATE OR LOCAL AGENCIES.  THE INITIAL REPORT SHALL BE SUBMITTED  ON
 SEPTEMBER  FIRST,  TWO  THOUSAND  TWENTY-THREE,  WITH SUBSEQUENT REPORTS
 ANNUALLY THEREAFTER.
   § 2. Section 559 of the executive law is REPEALED.
   § 3. Section 491 of the social services law is amended by adding a new
 subdivision 6 to read as follows:
   6. THE COMMISSION OF THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND AND HARD  OF  HEARING  ESTAB-
 LISHED  PURSUANT  TO  ARTICLE TWENTY-SIX-C OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW SHALL BE
 RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSMITTING COMPLAINTS IN MATTERS AFFECTING  THE  DEAF,
 DEAFBLIND  AND  HARD  OF  HEARING COMMUNITIES TO THE VULNERABLE PERSONS'
 CENTRAL REGISTER, AS APPROPRIATE, WHERE SUCH COMPLAINTS INVOLVE  ALLEGA-
 TIONS OF REPORTABLE INCIDENTS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   § 4. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
 it shall have become a law.

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The New York State Senate

assembly Bill A6710B

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Current Bill Status - Passed Assembly

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A6710 - Details

A6710 - Summary

A6710 - Bill Text download pdf

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A6710A - Details

A6710A - Summary

A6710A - Bill Text download pdf

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A6710B (ACTIVE) - Details

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Summary

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assembly Bill A6710B

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Sponsored By

ZEBROWSKI

Current Bill Status - Passed Assembly

Your Voice

Actions

Bill Amendments

Co-Sponsors

Dan Quart

Charles Barron

Donna Lupardo

Michaelle C. Solages

Jo Anne Simon

Jeffrey Dinowitz

Aileen Gunther

Michael Montesano

Edward Ra

Thomas Abinanti

Zohran Mamdani

Stefani Zinerman

Inez E. Dickens

John T. McDonald III

Multi-Sponsors

Andrew Hevesi

A6710 - Details

A6710 - Summary

A6710 - Bill Text download pdf

Co-Sponsors

Dan Quart

Charles Barron

Donna Lupardo

Michaelle C. Solages

Jo Anne Simon

Jeffrey Dinowitz

Aileen Gunther

Michael Montesano

Edward Ra

Thomas Abinanti

Zohran Mamdani

Stefani Zinerman

Inez E. Dickens

John T. McDonald III

Multi-Sponsors

Andrew Hevesi

A6710A - Details

A6710A - Summary

A6710A - Bill Text download pdf

Co-Sponsors

Dan Quart

Charles Barron

Donna Lupardo

Michaelle C. Solages

Jo Anne Simon

Jeffrey Dinowitz

Aileen Gunther

Michael Montesano

Edward Ra

Thomas Abinanti

Zohran Mamdani

Stefani Zinerman

Inez E. Dickens

John T. McDonald III

William Colton

Steven Otis

Linda Rosenthal

Angelo Santabarbara

Marcela Mitaynes

Multi-Sponsors

Andrew Hevesi

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Details

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Summary

A6710B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments