Relates to requiring the establishment of utility customer arrears reporting; requires utilities to report to the public service commission on customers who are in arrears.
Directs the department of public service to adjust each utility corporation's residential fixed charge upon such corporation's filing with the department of an amendment of rate schedules, to recover only the fixed costs and operation and maintenance expenses directly related to metering, billing, service connections and the provision of customer service.
Relates to requiring the establishment of automatic payment plans; requires utility companies headquartered in New York to establish a statewide program to provide eligible participants with affordable payment plans.
Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.
Prohibits creditors from enforcing a consumer debt incurred as a result of fraud, duress, intimidation, threat, force, identity theft, exploitation of the debtor's personal information or similar economic abuse perpetrated against a debtor; establishes a right of action by the debtor for relief against creditors for violations; makes related provisions.
Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.
Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation that will benefit residents of New York state by fostering stewardship and conservation of the environment, and an appreciation of the importance of the wise use of natural resources as well as acknowledgment of the health benefits of time spent in nature.
Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health to establish certain standards related to the cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure.
Provides for the award of reasonable attorneys' fees in FOIL proceedings if the person is successful and in open meeting proceedings to the successful petitioner and against the public body.