Asm. Phil Steck

Relates to motor vehicle insurance fairness; provides that insurance rates shall not be increased based on certain factors; sets forth processes for motor vehicle insurers to have rate increases approved; allows public access in relation to any proposed insurance rate increases; allows members of the public to request permission to intervene in proceedings related to rate increases; directs rules and regulations to be established.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all motor vehicles operated for hire (like taxis, ride-sharing services, or limousines) to have a human driver physically present, seated behind the steering wheel, and actively engaged in driving. It specifically prohibits the use of self-driving technology in these vehicles without a human driver present and actively operating the vehicle. The law amends traffic regulations to mandate this requirement for all such hired vehicles on public roads. It directly affects companies and drivers providing for-hire transportation services in New York. The policy change is a clear restriction on automated driving systems in commercial passenger vehicles.

Establishes an educator development workforce for the purpose of contracting with EDHUBNY, a nonprofit organization, for support of New York's child serving and educator workforce; authorizes the workforce to contract with EDHUBNY including performance measures, reporting requirements, and fiscal controls; authorizes collaboration with other state agencies; provides for an appropriation of $50 million.

Relates to motivating factors behind unlawful discriminatory practices in employment practices; clarifies the reasonable accommodation process under the state's human rights law.

Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.

Enacts the "Renewable Capitol act"; requires the office of general services, in consultation with the power authority of the state of New York, to ensure that all operations that power, heat or cool the empire state plaza complex shall entirely use renewable energy systems; requires the office of general services to establish an advisory committee to advise the office of general services on the preparation, design and content of a plan for the use of renewable energy systems.

Provides presumptive eligibility for medical assistance benefits for persons released from correctional facilities for at least sixty days following release; provides for enrollment of such individuals upon release upon application, if eligible.

Increases the tax exemption to twenty percent on real property owned by members of volunteer fire companies or voluntary ambulance services in certain counties.

Enacts the "affordable clean energy (ACE) act"; exempts renewable energy systems from certain requirements related to energy facilities (Part A); directs the New York power authority to propose a minimum of two priority transmission projects to address the areas of highest need on the bulk transmission system (Part B); exempts payment in lieu of taxes revenue from property tax cap calculations (Part C).

Relates to certain crimes of interference with access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate one hundred feet outside of places of religious worship.