What's happening
This bill exempts paratransit-eligible individuals aged 80 or older from recertification, requiring only a recent physician's note for initial application.
Why it matters
Reduces administrative burden for seniors. By eliminating ongoing recertification, seniors aged 80+ who rely on paratransit won't face repeated paperwork or interviews, making it easier to maintain access to essential transportation.
Speeds up access to paratransit. Only requiring a recent physician’s note for a one-time application streamlines the process, potentially reducing delays for elderly applicants who need timely transportation for medical appointments, groceries, and social needs.
Acknowledges the permanence of disabilities in advanced age. The exemption recognizes that disabilities or mobility limitations in this age group are unlikely to improve, making frequent reassessment unnecessary and more respectful of seniors’ circumstances.
Could improve quality of life and independence. By ensuring continued, uninterrupted service, the bill helps older adults remain active and less isolated, supporting their ability to age in place and participate in community life.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ease Paratransit for Elderly
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ease Paratransit for Seniors
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Andrew J. Lanza
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5726
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. MALLIOTAKIS -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to special powers of the metropolitan transportation authority
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1266 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new subdivision 15-a to read as follows:
15-a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, paratransit eligible individuals who are at least eighty years old, shall be required only to present correspondence from a licensed physician, dated within the preceding thirty days, indicating that the paratransit service is still necessary for the individual to make a single application for paratransit services. Once approved, such individuals shall be exempt from all recertification requirements.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07468-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.