Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

June 21, 2024

What’s Inside

  • Governor Signs Child Data Privacy and Addictive Social Media Feeds Legislation
  • Siena College Research Institute Releases New Poll
  • Governor Proposes Mask Ban
  • Paid Break Time for Breast Milk Expression Takes Effect
  • New York Primary Election Preview
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Governor Signs Child Data Privacy and Addictive Social Media Feeds Legislation

The Governor signed legislation to restrict the use of algorithmic-based addictive social media feeds for minor and protect personal data for those under 18. These bills were the Governor’s top end of session priorities. The Governor was joined at the bill signing by Attorney General Letitia James and bill sponsors State Senator Andrew Gounardes and State Assemblymember Nily Rozic.

S.7694A/A.8148A – The SAFE For Kids Act

This legislation will require social media companies to restrict algorithmic feeds on their platforms for users under 18. According to the sponsor, algorithmic feeds are intentionally addictive and designed to prolong use. The sponsors also argue the algorithm pushes unsafe content to teens and pre-teens. Unless parental consent is granted, users under 18 will not receive algorithmic feeds and instead will receive feeds based only on who the user actually follows or intentionally interacts with. The SAFE for Kids Act is the first bill of its kind to be signed into law in any state.

S.7695B/A.8149A – The New York Child Data Protection Act

This legislation will prohibit online sites from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website. It also authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the law, including by seeking civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

Governor Hochul said:

Young people across the nation are facing a mental health crisis fueled by addictive social media feeds – and New York is leading the way with a new model for addressing the crisis and protecting our kids. By reining in addictive feeds and shielding kids’ personal data, we’ll provide a safer digital environment, give parents more peace of mind, and create a brighter future for young people across New York.

Siena College Research Institute Releases New Poll

Siena College Research Institute released a new poll this week showing that despite taking several popular positions including suspending congestion pricing and signing legislation aimed at preventing addictive social media feeds that target teens, both issues widely supported, the Governor is registering her lowest ever favorability rating and her lowest ever job approval rating.

 

When comparing results from this poll to a poll conducted in December 2022, the Governor’s numbers drop consistently with respect to key attributes including, whether or not she works hard, demonstrates decisive leadership, cares about people, demonstrates honesty and integrity, and effectively collaborates with other government leaders.

The difficult numbers are not confined to the Governor alone, President Biden has a 42-53% favorability rating, down from 45-50% in May, his lowest-ever favorability rating. His job approval rating fell to 45-53%, down from last month. Former President Trump has a 37-59% favorability rating, also down from May. Currently, President Biden leads former President Trump 47-39%, a relatively small eight-point lead considering President Biden carried New York by twenty-three points in the 2020 General Election.

Also polled were a series of legislative issues that were not resolved during this legislative session.

Governor Proposes Mask Ban

The Governor has said she is exploring a ban on face masks in the New York City subway after a disturbing trend emerged of individuals committing hate crimes while wearing masks, making identification difficult. The Governor has acknowledged that adopting a mask ban would most likely require legislative action. Both Assembly Speaker and Carl Heastie and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris have raised concerns or admitted they have questions about the proposal to reinstate a pre-pandemic ban on people wearing masks in public. Mayor Adams, however, was quick to pledge his support

Paid Break Time for Breast Milk Expression Takes Effect

A new law requiring employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for employees to express breast milk went into effect on Wednesday. This mandate applies whenever employees have a reasonable need to express breast milk and extends up to three years following childbirth. Under the new law, employees can also use existing paid break time or mealtime for any time in excess of thirty minutes. This marks a significant shift from the previous requirement, where employers were only obligated to provide reasonable unpaid break time for this purpose.

The Department of Labor has a dedicated webpage for information and FAQs.

New York Primary Election Preview

New York’s Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 25, with early voting beginning Saturday, June 15. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for reelection in November, including the 26 across New York state – several of which will feature competitive primaries. All 150 State Assembly and 63 State Senate seats are up for reelection this year as well, with a number of primaries that will be settled on June 25.

For a closer look at each race, Read More

In The News

City & State NY’s Weekly Winners and Losers here.

City & State NY’s Who’s Who in Casinos & Sports Betting here.

Mannion Denies Hostile Work Environment Allegations Made By 3 Former Staffers.

Jay Jacobs donates to Assembly Member Taylor Darling’s primary opponent.

How bad are Democrats poll numbers? Just look at the independent voters.

NY primaries have it all: Democratic Socialist upstarts, underdog pol targeting AOC and even an ex-con.

Ex-NY Rep. Mondaire Jones received nearly $25K in salary from campaigns.

NY Daily News Editorial – No shortcuts allowed: Legislature violated the state Constitution with Equal Rights Amendment

They’re coming (with labels) for your gas stoves.

N.Y. School Boards executive director: Rockefeller Institute has been ‘transparent’ on Foundation Aid formula update.

Jamaal Bowman has given up on changing minds. Turnout is his only hope.

Jamaal Bowman’s challenger is the Cher of suburban New York.

Bowman targets fellow Dem Ritchie Torres’ Israel support amid primary fight.

NY-24 GOP primary is a battle over conservative credentials.

Ron Kim faces competitive primary challenge in Flushing.

Key primary races to watch in Monroe County as early voting begins.

Six Albany County candidates for Assembly debate state and local issues.

Congressman Pat Ryan doesn’t say if he backs new Biden policy that would carve path to citizenship to 500K immigrants.

Fanny Villarreal and Caleb Slater battle in nasty GOP primary for state Senate seat.

Panic button mandate will do more harm than good for New York retailers.

N.Y. bill passed that would require credit card companies to create category codes for gun retailers.

The Buffalo News Editorial Board: Except for a couple rare wins, the New York Legislature came up short.

NYS lawmakers fail to OK environmental bills amid internal conflicts, public concerns.

Hochul’s bet against congestion pricing is backfiring.

The Daily News endorses Micah Lasher, Larinda Hooks and Johanna Carmona.

Mayor, City Council still hashing out final city budget.

Coming Up

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will hold their next meeting on June 26.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on July 15 and 16.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on July 18.