BY DEBORAH J. GLICK | Although the main focus of the end of session was on the renewal of rent regulations, I have had several legislative victories of note this session. Below are a few highlights of bills that I sponsored that have passed both the Assembly and the state Senate and are currently awaiting the governor’s signature:
First, there was the passage of a campus sexual assault bill, on which I worked to significantly amend to its current form. This bill was a top priority for the governor but required substantial revisions to ensure impartial administration with a rigorous set of standards to protect all students. This bill will ensure greater training of staff and students alike and a new affirmative consent paradigm in connection to consensual sexual activity.
Another bill that passed would permit out-of-state licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to work in New York State during natural disasters or other emergencies. It would also allow these professionals to assist in investigations of animal-cruelty cases.
“Maintenance of effort” is a mechanism in which the state is required to maintain a minimum amount of funding to an agency or program. To ensure more financial stability for both SUNY and CUNY, a bill passed that would require maintenance of effort in state funding for both university systems, including the SUNY Health Science Centers. This would include the coverage of mandatory costs, such as facility rentals and fringe benefit costs.
Through legislation, we expanded the scope of practice for registered nurses. The critical addition to the role of registered nurses would permit them to administer updated tests to screen for tuberculosis, with a general order from a doctor or nurse practitioner. Since TB has had a resurgence, this is an important public health initiative.
Additionally, as you know, the renewal of rent regulation was obviously a huge debate this year. Our negotiations continued even as the regulations expired for a few days as the Senate majority refused to do a short extender. New Yorkers deserve affordable housing, and a renewal of this program was essential to saving the homes of 2 million New Yorkers. A four-year renewal was passed, and awaits the signature of the governor. The final bill increased the luxury decontrol limit to $2,700, spread out the time in which charges for a major capital improvement (M.C.I.) can be collected from a tenant, and increased protections for tenants against landlord harassment. I wish that we would have been able to eliminate vacancy decontrol and further raised the luxury-decontrol cap, but without a partner in the governor or the Senate majority, the threat to the existence of rent regulation was real.
I am proud of the work we accomplished this year, especially in light of the many changes we faced during this session. There is always more work to do, and more New Yorkers for whom I will fight. As session has now concluded for the year, I look forward to being able to spend some time in the district, as I continue to work for my constituents and residents of New York.
Glick is assemblymember for the 66th District (West Village, Soho, Noho, Hudson Square, East Village, Tribeca, Civic Center)
