By Sen. Tom Libous
A number of new state laws take effect in 2012. Some are as important as the Property Tax Cap; Middle Class Tax Cuts or outlawing texting while driving. Others are as simple as how many rods you can use while fishing.
The laws I’m particularly proud of give you a more efficient, more effective government that can better control spending while providing important public services.
Here are some of them:
BETTER GOVERNMENT
Property Tax Cap (S.5856) – Municipal governments and school districts must keep their tax increases below 2 percent unless they have approval from 60 percent of the voting body that approves budgets.
Middle Class Tax Cut and Flood Relief (S.1 and S.2 of Extraordinary Session) – Working with Governor Cuomo, we reached an agreement on a jobs plan to create thousands of jobs, a middle class tax cut to reduce taxes for 4.4 million New Yorkers and provide an extra $50 million in flood relief.
Mandate Relief (S.5856) – Laws were amended to help communities and school districts save up to $125 million a year. Some of the changes allow:
Communities to share equipment, materials and services.
Up to three small school districts to share a single superintendent.
Agencies to file state reports electronically, rather than hard copy.
Local governments to piggyback on state authority to buy electricity, information technology, software and other items at a lower cost.
SAFER ROADS
Texting while driving (S.5643) – Don’t do it. A new law makes text messaging while driving a primary violation rather than a secondary violation. Under 2011 law, a driver can be cited for texting-while-driving only if another violation, such as speeding, is also being cited. Not anymore.
Hazard vehicles (S.2769-B) – Drivers must use additional caution when approaching, overtaking or passing any hazard vehicle, such as tow trucks and snowplows. The 2011 law covered just emergency vehicles like police cruisers and fire apparatus.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
Concussion Management Awareness Act (S.3953) – The state Health and Education departments will adopt rules for treating and monitoring students with mild traumatic brain injuries, such as from sports injuries. A school-based team would oversee staff training, parent and student education about concussions, and transition for students who have sustained a concussion back into school and sports.
