New Year Brings New Laws in New York State

The following is from Senator Jack M. Martins:

I hope that you had a happy and safe holiday. As we approach the new year, I wanted to remind you of the new laws that will be taking effect on January 1, 2013. These new laws include greater protections for domestic violence victims, a new tax exemption to encourage use of solar energy and a measure to allow eligible colleges and universities in New York State to self-insure their students for health insurance.

The new laws taking effect include:

· New Protections for Domestic Violence Victims (S7638) – A new law designed to protect victims’ health care and insurance information. As of the first of the year, victims of domestic violence who seek medical and/or mental health services and use their health insurance to pay for that care can designate alternative contact information so they may receive health insurance correspondence in a safe location of their own choosing

· Ban on Electronic Cigarettes for Minors (S2926B) – a new law prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to children under the age of 18 years old.

· Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption (S3203B) – exempts the sale and installation of commercial solar energy systems equipment from state sales tax and compensating use taxes. As of January 1, 2013, municipalities will also have the authority to provide this exemption from local sales and use taxes.

· Student Health Care (S7314A) – allows eligible private and public colleges and universities in New York State to self-insure for their students’ health insurance needs. A college or university that becomes self-insured can be designed to meet the needs of the students and can reduce administrative costs.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call upon me. My best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe 2013.