Just before 2022 year’s end, Governor Kathy Hochul
signed into law the last of Assemblyman Abinanti’s bills
that were still pending to:
HELP GREENBURGH TAXPAYERS
The new law (Chapter 786-2022) allows
Greenburgh to tax future “planned unit developments” as
single family homes rather than be mandated to assess
them at a lower commercial tax-rate established for
condos and co-ops.
The law does not apply to existing condo and coop
buildings — existing condos and coops will continue to be
assessed as commercial properties. A state-wide bill
sponsored by another Assembly member was vetoed.
The law will ensure that Greenburgh can assess newly
developed residential properties on the same basis as
single family homes.
HELP CHILDREN INJURED BY
MALPRACTICE AT BIRTH.
Another new law (Chapter 807-2022) extends
reforms that Assemblyman Abinanti previously passed to
improve the workings of Medical Indemnity Fund (MIF)
for 3 more years.
The MIF, established as part of Governor Andrew
Cuomo’s first budget, was designed to reduce hospitals’
medical malpractice insurance costs. It requires thatinfants damaged at birth relinquish part of their medical
malpractice awards and it substitutes state monies to pay
for their medical costs. Assemblyman Abinanti has
passed several reforms to make the program more user-
friendly.
HELP PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES.
Another new law (Chapter 806-2022) requires that
the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD) meet strict timelines (set forth in the new law)
in processing applications for eligibility determinations
and service authorizations.
HELP BANK CUSTOMERS.
The last new law (Chapter 830-2022) requires
banks to cash certain checks drawn on accounts in their
bank when the payee presents valid identification. This
will particularly help workers who seek to cash their
paychecks at banks where employers have their payroll
accounts.
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