Relates to the New York state theatre institute; appropriation

BILL NUMBER:S8168

Title of bill

An act to amend the arts and cultural affairs law, in relation to the New York state theatre institute corporation; to amend the public officers law, in relation to defense and indemnification; and making an appropriation to the New York state theatre institute corporation; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon the expiration thereof

Purpose

This bill provides the NYSTI with an appropriation to finance a portion of its liabilities owed to the State University of New York at Albany; amends NYSTI's governance structure; streamlines qualifications of NYSTI Board members; and would provide current and future board members, officers and employees of NYSTI with defense and indemnification under Public Officers Law consistent with that provided to other similar entities such as the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill would provide NYSTI with an appropriation of $243,000 that will be made available to NYSTI for reimbursement of past due payroll expenses owed to the State University of New York at Albany.

Section 2 of this bill would provide that should termination of NYSTI employees occur as a result of retrenchment, notice of such termination would be issued in writing to affected employees as soon as practicable, which would be deemed to be at least ten business days in advance of such termination.

Section 3 of the bill would amend Arts and Cultural Affairs law (ACLA) § 9.07 to make clear that NYSTI is authorized, rather than required, to carry out the elements of its statutory mission.

Section 4 of the bill would amend ACLA § 9.09 to reduce the number of voting NYSTI Board members from 14 to 8. This section also streamlines Board member qualifications so that those Who possess the ability to provide oversight are clearly authorized to serve on the Board.

Section 5 of the bill would amend Public Officers Law § 17 to provide current and future NYSTI board members, officers and employees with defense and indemnification protections, consistent with those provided to other similar entities such as the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation.

Statement in support and budgetary implications

Enactment of this bill is necessary to reimburse the State University of New York at Albany for past due payroll expenses and provide NYSTI with stability so it can address its transition in an orderly manner. This bill has a $243,000 impact on the State's Financial Plan.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately, provided that section five of this act would not apply to any individual who ceased to be a member of the board or an officer or employee of the New York State Theatre Institute Corporation on or before the eleventh day of June, two thousand and ten.