Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a study of the technical and economic feasibility and ratepayer impact of a zero-emission electrical system and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Authorizes and empowers the College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) to merge with the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) with CREF ceasing to be a corporate entity and TIAA as the surviving entity.
Establishes standards for policies issued by a group self-insurer for municipal corporations, public corporations, county self-insurance plans, boards of cooperative educational services and consortia established by boards of cooperative educational services.
Ensures that step therapy shall not apply to medically necessary prescription drugs in the dermatologic, hematology, ophthalmologic, rheumatic, gastrointestinal, neurology, and oncology therapeutic classes, including non-formulary drugs.
Provides that certain charitable annuities may be unisex in nature and shall be computed on the basis of currently applicable mortality tables for calculating the reserves for individual annuities; makes related provisions.
Prohibits the mixing, combination or blending of ash, including material collected from fine-particle control devices serving as pollution control or containment systems at any hazardous waste incinerator or kiln, with any product if the ash is from a commercial hazardous waste incinerator; provides penalties for violations.
Authorizes the governor to fill vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor on confirmation of both houses of the legislature; allows the governor to leave the state without transmitting power to lieutenant-governor; establishes the process for lieutenant-governor to act as governor during incapacitation of the governor.