Numerous Senate Bills Given Final Passage – Next Step: The Governor's Desk

The New York State Senate today announced that final passage was given to numerous important bills that will be sent to the Governor in coming weeks for review. Among the measures given final passage this week are: 

Establishing guidelines for early identification of Autism: Bill S8955, sponsored by Senator Robert Ortt (R-C-I-Ref, North Tonawanda), establishes screening tools and guidelines for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children three years of age and younger. Currently, there is no standardized screening approach for the early identification of autism. Screening is a way to detect a disorder, such as autism, before the onset of symptoms. Early treatment of autism can have a significantly positive impact on the health and well-being of children and their families.

Senator Ortt said, “The passage of autism spectrum disorder screening guidelines will help parents and practitioners become more proactive in the identification and treatment of a disorder that impacts approximately one in 59 children across the United States. Studies illustrate that early detection and treatment is highly beneficial for the health and well-being of children who test positive on the autism spectrum. By establishing a standard procedure and constant testing protocol across the state, we will be able to ensure all parents and children receive the most effective, and beneficial methods that medical providers have to offer.”  

Improving the reporting of natural gas leaks by utility companies: Bill S4264, sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-I, Rome), requires gas companies to classify all reported natural gas leaks, requires that each gas company report annually to the Department of Public Service the location and classification of each reported leak, the date each such leak was classified and the date each such leak is repaired, requires that the Department of Public Service make such information available upon request to any municipal or state public safety official and to members of the legislature, and lastly requires the Public Service Commission to commence a proceeding to investigate the need for additional winter surveillance of gas pipelines due to extended frost cap conditions.  

Senator Griffo said, “This bill will provide a new level of transparency regarding the locations and classifications of natural gas leaks, which will facilitate safe, rapid response by local first responders to accidents and other emergencies that might occur at or near the locations of known gas leaks.  Members of the public would also be more likely to call 911 or their local gas company about suspected gas leaks if they believed that the information would be included in a readily accessible database that would be used to help prevent property damage, injuries or even loss of life.”

Providing better access to water contamination information: Bill S6655, sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon (R, Nassau), requires the Department of Health to post on its website information relating to emerging water contaminants, notification levels for those emerging contaminants, and educational materials so that the information is easily accessible to the public. It also requires the Department of Health’s website to have links to the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System.

Senator Hannon said, “The Senate has made historic investments to ensure all New Yorkers have access to clean, safe drinking water. This legislation will ensure that once the Department of Health establishes notification levels for any emerging contaminant, that information is clear and accessible to both public water systems and consumers. Public education and awareness of these levels is essential to ensuring our drinking water is safe as intended by the original law.”

Protecting the rights of car renters: Bill S8389B, sponsored by Senator Chris Jacobs (R-C-I, 60^th District), would help protect customers of rental car companies by updating laws enacted in 2002 while also providing certainty to the industry by making the changes permanent. The legislation would add additional tiers of pricing for optional vehicle protection; provide additional consumer protections, such as, better educating consumers about optional “collision damage waivers”; clarify inconsistent, confusing, and ambiguous language contained throughout; and extend the combined provisions of the 2002 laws for five years. These changes to the law would achieve the multi-faceted solution to the problem by enhancing the nation’s strongest consumer protections.

Senator Jacobs said, “The car rental industry serves a crucial role in New York State.  Each year, tens of millions of individuals and families choose to visit all areas of our State for both work and pleasure, choosing to rent a variety of vehicles from numerous rental businesses. This legislation protects those renters from discrimination and predatory business practices while enhancing their personal and professional experiences in New York State.”

Prohibiting the leasing of dogs and cats: Bill S7415C, sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino (R, Syosset), eliminates the predatory practice of leasing dogs and cats for ownership. Pet leasing is a practice that preys on people who cannot always afford a companion animal. Many do not understand they are entering into a lease agreement for an animal for multiple months. In the process, these individuals are forced to pay far more than they realized.

Senator Marcellino said, “Pets are a vital part of the family for many people across our state.  Bringing a dog or cat home is both memorable and exciting. At that moment of purchase, the focus is on the animal, not the fine print in the contract. Imagine the bewilderment of some customers when they find out months later they do not actually own their new pet, but instead, are locked into a rent-to-own scheme. This bill will protect both consumers and pets from this kind of shady operation.” 

Cracking down on hazing: Bill S2755, sponsored by Senator Kenneth LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson), prohibits organizations from requiring activities that create risk of injury during initiation or affiliation ceremonies. If implemented, this legislation bolsters existing hazing prohibitions and provides the necessary safety measures to deter harmful behavior and help ensure that all of the students attending New York State institutions are protected from the substantial risks caused by hazing. 

Senator LaValle said, “Too many families have had to grieve the loss of a relative due to hazing. We need to continue to fight these types of serious issues. Whether it be from dangerous hazing incidents, alcohol poisoning or drug overdoses, something must be done to combat the problems causing tragic deaths and injuries on campuses. This legislation would bring the changes necessary to help ensure safety and help deter such harmful behavior in the future.”

Extending the disability filing period for Word Trade Center rescue participants: Bill S7797, sponsored by Senator Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), extends the deadline for participants in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or clean-up operations to file a Notice of Participation from 2018 until 2022, provided the 9/11-related disability occurred between September 11, 2015 and September 11, 2017, among other provisions.

Senator Golden said, “This critical legislation extends the period for our 9/11 first responders who have not yet filed a notice of participation to do so. It also allows for 9/11 first responders who became disabled between September 11, 2015 and September 11, 2017 to file a claim before September 11, 2022. Additionally, this legislation allows for those who had their applications denied to have that application reconsidered. Our first responder heroes of 9/11 deserve assistance in getting any benefit for which they are entitled.”