Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – August 14, 2020

What’s Inside

  • Governor Signs Legislation
  • Governor Announces Guidance for Re-Opening of Gyms and Bowling Alleys
  • DFS Announces Action to Expedite Claims for Tropical Storm Damage
  • President of Hotel Trades Council Resigns
  • Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Governor Signs Legislation

The Governor signed several pieces of legislation this week, including mandating seat belts for all passengers.

Seat Belts for All Passengers (S.4336 Carlucci/A.6163 Mosley) – This legislation will require all passengers in cars over the age of 16 to wear a seat belt. Currently, those over 16 are only required to wear seats belts when riding in the front seat. This will take effect on November 1, 2020.

Prohibits Housing Providers from Discriminating Against Persons with Support Animals (S.6172 Martinez/A.7331 Dilan) – This Bill prohibits housing providers from discriminating against a person who relies on an animal for assistance alleviating symptoms or the effects of a disability. Housing providers must now provide a reasonable accommodation by permitting a support animal to live in a home that otherwise would have prohibited pets. This Bill takes effect immediately.

Extends the Moratorium on Slaughter Houses and Live Poultry Markets in New York City (S.6252 Gianaris/A.8009 Weprin) – This Bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture and Markets from issuing a license to animal slaughter establishments or live poultry markets within 1,500-foot radius of residential building in New York City. The bill extends the existing moratorium for four years and takes effect immediately.

Governor Announces Guidance for Re-Opening of Gyms and Bowling Alleys

The Governor announced on a conference call with reporters on Friday that the state would be issuing guidance next week that will allow for gyms and bowling alleys to re-open. Bowling alleys will be held to fifty percent occupancy with every other lane closed. Food will be allowed, but, only served by wait staff. Gym protocols will not be released until next week.

The Governor also announced that New York City museums and other low-risk cultural institutions can reopen starting Monday, August 24. The institutions include museums, aquariums, and other low-risk indoor cultural arts. All institutions that reopen will be subject to state guidance. These institutions must obey strict safety protocols, including a 25 percent maximum occupancy limit, timed ticketing required with pre-set, staggered entry, strict enforcement of face coverings, social distancing, controlled traffic flow to avoid crowding, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols.

DFS Announces Action to Expedite Claims for Tropical Storm Damage

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced new actions to help expedite the payment of insurance claims for New Yorkers affected by Tropical Storm Isaias. DFS will allow temporary, expedited permits to be issued to qualified out-of-state independent insurance adjusters working on behalf of authorized insurers under New York Insurance Law.

According to the press release, DFS expects insurers to:

  • Promptly process and investigate insurance claims made by claimants;
  • Allow claimants to provide as reasonable proof items such as: photographs or video recordings (without the need for a physical inspection); material samples, if applicable; inventories; and receipts for any repairs to or replacement of property; and
  • Allow claimants to make immediate repairs to damaged property if necessary to protect health or safety.

President of Hotel Trades Council Resigns

Peter Ward, longtime president of the Hotel Trades Council has resigned. Ward joined the union 41 years ago and had originally planned to announce his retirement this spring, but, postponed the announcement due to the pandemic.

Reminders and Links

AP – New York’s True Death Toll Cloaked in Secrecy here.

Daily News Editorial Board – Show us the numbers: Gov. Cuomo and his health department owe the public more data on transparency here.

Coming Up

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on recent law school graduates, the New York bar exam, and alternate pathways to attorney admission on August 18.

A Joint Senate and Assembly hearing on Power and communication failures from Tropical Storm Isaias will be held on August 20.

The Senate will hold a hearing on The Unified Court System and COVID-19 on August 21.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on September 14 and 15.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on September 17.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on September 22.