S7021
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law — 2023-06-08 · Calendar #1769
The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that streamlines recertification for paratransit users in the MTA region. Senate Print 7021, sponsored by Sen. Kennedy, allows individuals to renew their paratransit eligibility through a letter from their own physician rather than traveling to a specific evaluation site. The bill passed on a 62-0 vote. Sen. Kennedy said the measure brings parity to downstate MTA regions, aligning with existing practices in upstate agencies. Sen. Krueger emphasized the practical burden the current system places on disabled individuals, noting that Manhattan has no approved evaluation offices, forcing some riders to travel multiple boroughs just to renew benefits they have already been approved for. The legislation takes effect immediately.
PASSED
Ayes: 62
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
The bill allows individuals using MTA paratransit services to obtain recertification through their own physician's letter rather than traveling to a specific evaluation site. Sen. Kennedy noted this brings parity to downstate MTA regions, aligning with existing upstate agency practices. Sen. Krueger highlighted that Manhattan has no approved evaluation offices, forcing disabled individuals to travel multiple boroughs for recertification of already-approved benefits.