Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
Provides that before a person may receive public assistance benefits, they must submit to and pass a drug test; requires health care professionals, law enforcement agencies, and courts report certain instances of substance abuse to the commissioner of social services.
Establishes a reverse loan mortgage loan program for seniors; provides for the state of NY mortgage agency to establish many of the parameters for the implementation of the program; defines terms; requires a care needs assessment of each applicant; provides that area agencies on aging shall provide counseling and assistance to applicants; requires independent counseling in compliance with HUD regulations; directs the state of New York mortgage agency to issue an annual report to the governor and the legislature.
Relates to creating autism teams in hospitals; requires the department of health to design a pilot program to develop one "autism team" who may be called upon should a patient with autism come to a hospital; provides that members of the autism team shall be knowledgeable about autism and communication difficulties many people with autism have and advise physicians and other staff on how to communicate with patients with autism.
Relates to the powers and duties of the advisory council of the justice center for the protection of people with special needs; adds additional duties relating to investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect.
Establishes an electronic military ballot application and military ballot transmittal system through which applicants may apply for a military ballot and return a marked military ballot, online.
Requires instruction in civic education for grades 5 through 12 including instruction on the NYS constitution; federal, state and local government; civic literacy; methods of public participation; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.