Addabbo introduces legislation to address local issues

New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. introduced several bills for the 2021 Legislative Session, whose origins were based upon issues of importance to his constituents throughout the district.

“Although I was looking forward to getting back to the Capitol in January, we continue to conduct most of our legislative business remotely from our district,” stated Addabbo. “Despite this new manner in which we currently conduct our legislative business, I am pleased it did not delay my ability to introduce legislation aimed at improving the lives of individuals and families, as well as providing support for businesses, within my district.”

Addabbo sponsored bills addressing important district issues to include:

●     S.1035 - Prohibits hospitals from disallowing individuals with disabilities from having an essential support person accompany the patient for the duration of their hospitalization;

●     S.2112 - Disqualifies a vote cast for a candidate who has voluntarily withdrawn from consideration before the election, but whose name still appears on the ballot, thus allowing the voter to recast their vote;

●     S.2205 - Seeks to permanently extend protection of Jamaica Bay from contaminants. This will strengthen the quality Jamaica Bay waters making it safer for current and all future generations;

●     S.2206 - Requires adequate and appropriate advanced community notification for the placement of permanent homeless shelters; to provide transparency and notification to local communities for the utilization of hotels to shelter homeless individuals;

●     S.2207 - To reduce the number of injuries and fatalities among children from drowning by requiring instruction in water safety for public school students, grades kindergarten through twelve;

●     S.2488 - To alleviate the lack of parking spaces for local businesses;

●     S.2490 - Ensures waste that is transferred by rail is properly contained and covered, to prevent odors, along with leakage and spillage along the tracks;

●     S.2817 - Makes the opportunity to receive basic utility service, clean air, and clean water a civil right. Ensures residents can access service from gas and electric utilities that may have a monopoly on service in any given community;

●     S.2818 - Informs customers of NYS hotels and motels that the establishment is in agreement with Municipality, County or the State of New York that this establishment is contracted to house homeless individuals and families;

●     S.373 - Provides that any local government using hotels, motels or similar sites for homeless housing provide a website listing those entities, along with the amount being paid by the city and duration of their contract;

●     S.2921 - Enacts the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act of 2021. Provides a tax credit to homeowners who repair cockloft fire hazards in their homes;

●     S.3456 - The bill provides for a priority system for use in connection with emergency disconnections of utilities during a response to such emergency;

●     S.3834 - To require the written notification to a school district 14 days before the commencement of a construction project that may disrupt the safety of individuals around the school;

●     S.6731 - To create a task force to study backup energy in the state of NY, in cases where the energy provider is unable or unwilling to provide such service;

“While many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been unpredictable, protecting our environment, expanding services for individuals and businesses, and providing valuable resources are all actions I am certain will prove to have an impactful and foreseen outcome,” added Addabbo. “I am hopeful the Senate and Assembly will pass these bills for the benefit of the communities I serve now and in the future.”