Relates to quarterly claim reports for certain disaster assistance

6 Co-sponsors

• Phil Boyle
• Kemp Hannon
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Carl L. Marcellino
• Jack M. Martins
• Michael Venditto

BILL NUMBER:S4694A

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to quarterly claim reports for certain disaster assistance; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would require the governor, in cooperation with the commissioner of homeland security and emergency services, and the executive director of the governor's office of storm recovery, to produce and deliver to the legislature, a quarterly report detailing the status of all such claims for disaster assistance pending before, or being assisted by, the governor and/or New York Rising.

Summary of specific provisions

Sections One amends the executive law by adding a new section 29-k which requires the production of a quarterly report on the status all claims currently pending, for disaster relief.

Section Two provides the effective date.

Justification

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy devastated communities across Long Island and New York City. It was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 season and was the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. Over two years later, the aftermath of this storm is still impacting, and causing hardship for, many residents of our state.

As of October 2014, it was reported that repairs were complete for only 2,000 of the 8,896 Long Island homes that were approved for aid by NY Rising. More than 5,000 households were still awaiting funding assistance eligibility determinations. Since NY Rising was formed, there have been countless reports from the frustrated people of Long Island of an overly complex and cumbersome process to apply for and obtain the funding required to rebuild or rehabilitate their homes, to participate in the acquisition and buy-out programs, and to navigate the archaic system, in order to restart their lives.

This bill would allow the Legislature to oversee the status of these claims and ensure that the process is being carried out in a timely and orderly fashion. This legislation will help the legislature ensure that the state is making every effort to provide for the people whose lives were affected by this catastrophic event.

Prior legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed December 2, 2019.