Relates to the fee charged for the issuance of birth and death records

BILL NUMBER:S8143

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the fee charged for the issuance of birth and death records

Purpose

To allow the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam to increase the local fee that is charged for issuing birth and death certificates.

Summary of provisions

Section 4173(3) of the Public Health Law is amended to add the City of Amsterdam to the list of local governments which are authorized to set a fee which is higher than the $10 statutory fee for the issuance of birth and death certificates.

Existing law

Section 4173(3) of the Public Health Law provides that a local registrar shall be entitled to a $10 fee for each certification of birth and death. However, the counties of Chemung, Monroe, Onondaga and Tompkins, and the city of Oswego, are authorized to set a fee up to the amount ($30) charged by the State Health Commissioner.

Justification

The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Amsterdam have requested this special local legislation to allow the City to increase the fees charged for birth and death certificates. The Public Health Law author- izes localities to charge a $10 fee for this service. However, this fee has not been adjusted since 1991. In the meantime, the fee charged by the State Health Department for these records has increased to $30. Special laws have been enacted in recent years to allow four counties, and one city, to charge fees higher than the $10 maximum fee (but not to exceed the $30 fee charged by the State Health Commissioner). The City of Amsterdam notes that it continues to face increasing costs in provid- ing services to its residents and balancing its budget. Therefore, the City is seeking this legislation to help offset its expenses.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

This bill will have no fiscal impact on the State, but should result in an increase in revenue for the City of Amsterdam.

Effective date

Immediately.