Administrative Update on Legislation

The New York State Legislature passed numerous legislation that is of particular interest to the university community. The following are some of the more important pieces of legislation that now are being acted upon by the Governor (for approval or veto). The list includes direct Web links to the actual legislation. The list does not include the legislation enhancing public employee benefits (including early retirement, cost of living adjustment, etc.), as much information already has been widely disseminated to employees.

- Bill A.7233 S 5723: Changes the state university mission to include "encouraging, supporting and participating in planning, projects, policies and programs with local government, school districts, businesses and civic sectors of host communities with regard to local economies and quality of life." The legislation also directs trustees to organize an annual conference on this mission (Town-Gown). Passed Assembly and Senate; delivered to the Governor Aug. 11. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=A07233.

- Bill A.11005 S.7838: Establishes the "teachers of tomorrow" teacher recruitment and retention program. Signed into law. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=A11005.

- Bill A.9965 S.6237: Prohibits the use by public or private schools and colleges of student social security numbers as student identification numbers or for any student identification purposes. Signed into law. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=S06237.

- Bill A.11006 S.1: Creation of a tax credit and itemized deduction for college tuition. Signed into law. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=A11006.

- Bill A.9294 S.6291: Creates a Scholarship for Academic Excellence within SUNY. Such scholarships shall be awarded up to 5,000 college juniors and seniors attending an institution of SUNY and will be based on academic performance. Signed into law. http://LEGINFO.STATE.NY.US:82/nyleg/menugetf.cgi.

- Bill A.11104 S.7908: Authorizes Roswell Park Cancer Institute corporation to permit certain employees to elect to participate in the state university optional retirement program in lieu of participation in the New York State and local employees' retirement system. Passed Assembly and Senate; delivered to the Governor Aug. 11. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=A11104.

- Bill A.5302 S.7172: Requires state agencies (including SUNY campuses) to purchase appliances that meet minimum energy efficiency standards promulgated by the president of the New York State energy research and development authority. The bill further requires that such minimum standards be established for lighting, heating and cooling units, motors, refrigerators, furnaces and boilers. The bill also mandates that the building design and specifications for construction or renovation of public buildings shall incorporate appliances and products that meet these new minimum standards. Passed the Senate and Assembly; returned to the Senate to await Governor's signature. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=S07172.

- Bill A.8475 S.8079: Allows college students on welfare to count internships and other work-study assignments toward their 20 hours, or more, of required workfare. Passed the Senate and Assembly; returned to the Senate to await the Governor's signature. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=A08475.

- Bill A.9389 S.6368: Authorizes the state to sell a parcel of land to the City of Buffalo for its use in educational and other public purposes (UB's Bethune Hall). Passed the Senate and Assembly; delivered to the Governor Aug. 18. http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/showbill?billnum=S06368