New York Governor Kathy Hochul faces a daunting task as she sorts through over 150 bills awaiting her signature or veto before the end of the year. Among them, several noteworthy measures are worth watching, each tackling pressing issues that have garnered significant attention.
One such bill aims to create a new government office dedicated to helping kids with reading disabilities. The proposed Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia would establish policies on student screening, professional development for teachers, and curricula reflecting the latest in reading science. State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, who sponsored the bill, says it could be a game-changer for students struggling with undiagnosed or diagnosed dyslexia.
Meanwhile, Governor Hochul has announced her support for a bill creating a new office to improve oversight of prisons following the deaths of two individuals at state facilities. The legislation would increase cameras and monitoring systems within prisons. Critics argue that the current system is too lenient, while supporters believe it will bring much-needed transparency to these institutions.
Another measure on Hochul's desk concerns natural gas hookups. Lawmakers passed a bill in June to repeal the 100-foot rule, which requires utility companies to assume the cost of extending services to new homes within a certain distance from existing lines. Environmental groups support the legislation, arguing it would reduce costs for consumers and help the state meet its climate goals.
In contrast, Republicans have expressed concerns that the repeal would increase costs for people buying new homes. As the bill moves forward, Hochul's office has proposed an amendment to delay the effective date of the measure by a year.
The governor also has a bill on her desk related to artificial intelligence safety. The Responsible AI Safety and Education Act would require companies to develop plans for preventing models from being used to create nuclear or biological weapons, as well as ensuring meaningful human intervention in AI systems. Tech groups have urged Hochul to veto the legislation, arguing it could stifle innovation.
Consumer advocacy groups have expressed mixed views on a bill passed after significant amendments, which broadens the definition of unacceptable business practices and allows the attorney general to sue firms for infractions. However, some still believe the measure doesn't go far enough by not giving individuals the right to file lawsuits.
Another bill awaiting Hochul's signature is one that would grant time off for state troopers involved in emergency situations when someone is seriously injured or dies. The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association has urged the governor to sign the bill, citing the importance of protecting mental health.
Lastly, a measure on Hochul's desk could have significant implications for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its reliance on automated systems to operate trains. A bill would require a two-person crew on mass transit trains, essentially mirroring the setup in London, Washington, and Paris.
As Governor Hochul navigates these various bills, her office has until December 19th to act on many of them. With her signature or veto hanging in the balance, New Yorkers eagerly await her decisions on these critical issues.
One such bill aims to create a new government office dedicated to helping kids with reading disabilities. The proposed Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia would establish policies on student screening, professional development for teachers, and curricula reflecting the latest in reading science. State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, who sponsored the bill, says it could be a game-changer for students struggling with undiagnosed or diagnosed dyslexia.
Meanwhile, Governor Hochul has announced her support for a bill creating a new office to improve oversight of prisons following the deaths of two individuals at state facilities. The legislation would increase cameras and monitoring systems within prisons. Critics argue that the current system is too lenient, while supporters believe it will bring much-needed transparency to these institutions.
Another measure on Hochul's desk concerns natural gas hookups. Lawmakers passed a bill in June to repeal the 100-foot rule, which requires utility companies to assume the cost of extending services to new homes within a certain distance from existing lines. Environmental groups support the legislation, arguing it would reduce costs for consumers and help the state meet its climate goals.
In contrast, Republicans have expressed concerns that the repeal would increase costs for people buying new homes. As the bill moves forward, Hochul's office has proposed an amendment to delay the effective date of the measure by a year.
The governor also has a bill on her desk related to artificial intelligence safety. The Responsible AI Safety and Education Act would require companies to develop plans for preventing models from being used to create nuclear or biological weapons, as well as ensuring meaningful human intervention in AI systems. Tech groups have urged Hochul to veto the legislation, arguing it could stifle innovation.
Consumer advocacy groups have expressed mixed views on a bill passed after significant amendments, which broadens the definition of unacceptable business practices and allows the attorney general to sue firms for infractions. However, some still believe the measure doesn't go far enough by not giving individuals the right to file lawsuits.
Another bill awaiting Hochul's signature is one that would grant time off for state troopers involved in emergency situations when someone is seriously injured or dies. The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association has urged the governor to sign the bill, citing the importance of protecting mental health.
Lastly, a measure on Hochul's desk could have significant implications for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its reliance on automated systems to operate trains. A bill would require a two-person crew on mass transit trains, essentially mirroring the setup in London, Washington, and Paris.
As Governor Hochul navigates these various bills, her office has until December 19th to act on many of them. With her signature or veto hanging in the balance, New Yorkers eagerly await her decisions on these critical issues.
. On one hand, we've got bills that are going to help our kids learn better and make prisons safer, which is awesome 
. But on the other hand, there's also concerns about natural gas hookups that could affect people's wallets 
.
. I mean, what's next? Controlling our coffee mugs? 
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. She needs to figure out which bills are worth signing and which ones need more tweaking 
. It's like she's trying to navigate a minefield without a map 
.
. After all, it's their job to represent us, not just push through whatever legislation they think is good for them 
.
, like that one about helping kids with reading disabilities - it's crazy how common dyslexia is and we should totally be doing more to support our young people 
. 
- tech groups seem to have valid concerns that overly restrictive regulations could stifle innovation 
. And what about those consumers who want to file lawsuits against unfair businesses practices? It's all about finding a balance 
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, but we need more concrete action on making sure our prison systems are actually transparent and safe for everyone involved 
. 
- it's like trying to solve a giant puzzle 
! Will she sign or veto most of them? Only time (and her team) will tell 
... anyway back to the news, have you guys tried that new coffee shop downtown? Their cold brew is insane! 
I mean, I get why they need bills passed ASAP, but can't we just have more time to enjoy our daily cups of joe? 
. I'm all for making sure our prisons are safer and more transparent, but increasing cameras and monitoring systems isn't going to fix everything 
.
Can't wait to see what Governor Hochul decides on these crucial bills 
Also, what about the teachers who'd have to undergo all that professional development? Won't that drive up costs for taxpayers? And let's not forget, some people might say it's just a Band-Aid solution. What if we're just treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of reading disabilities?
. Furthermore, it would be interesting to observe how New Yorkers respond to these decisions, as they eagerly await her signature or veto on many of these critical issues