Several of Ortt’s Bills Signed into Law

Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today announced three bills he introduced earlier this year have been signed into law. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the pieces of legislation late Monday night dealing with support of people with disabilities, easier access to mental health records and stricter sex offender laws.

Senator Ortt, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for enacting these sensible bills into law. These bills further clarify the law to help protect those who are most vulnerable and other citizens of this state. These measures also address safety concerns and close loopholes in sex offender laws. Overall, the pieces of legislation will create safer communities for all New Yorkers to live and thrive.”

The three pieces of legislation signed into law by the Governor are:

S6915B – Allows for a dependant of a military service member, who is a legal resident of New York State, to retain eligibility for developmental disability services as long as they remain a legal resident of the state. The bill also allows a dependent who resides out-of-state to be placed on the waiting list for services if they left the state due to the military service member’s military assignment.

S6622 – Eliminates fees charged to certain agencies for copies of clinical mental health records. Records will now be free of charge to the federal Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and the federal Client Assistance Program (CAP). This law is now in effect.  

S7252 – Requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services to notify local law enforcement agencies within 48 hours of a sex offender’s change of address. Currently, there is no time frame for the Criminal Justice Division to report the change of address to local law enforcement. The bill also requires the division to notify local law enforcement regarding a change of residence to another state, or enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at a higher education institution.