Bill Memos
Dignity for All Students Act
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: S3180 Hoylman-Sigal / A1829 Jean-Pierre
Includes private, independent and religious schools under the provisions of the “Dignity for All Students Act”
The above referenced legislation would force the state’s religious and independent schools to comply with the provisions of Chapter 482 of the Laws of 2009, despite the clear and explicit exclusion of such schools from the act when drafted and enacted by lawmakers some 16 years ago. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this bill. More 
Surrogacy Programs and Agreements
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A4921-C Paulin / S5107-C Hoylman-Sigal
Relates to surrogacy programs and agreements
The above referenced bill makes technical “corrections” to the dangerous and misguided law which legalized paid surrogacy in 2020. Nothing can correct such an inherently horrible public policy as commercial surrogacy. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this legislation. More
Statewide Visitation Initiative
Memorandum of Support
Re: S8661 Hoylman-Sigal
Relates to the establishment of a statewide supervised visitation initiative
The above-referenced legislation would direct the office of children and family services, in consultation with the office for the prevention of domestic violence, to establish a statewide supervised visitation initiative. The initiative would include culturally sensitive services and require the submission of regular assessments and reports. The New York Catholic Conference, on behalf of Catholic Charities from around the state, supports this bill. More
Expansion of Hate Crime Criteria
Memorandum of Support
Re: A6929 McGowan / S7040 Weber
Expands the criteria for a hate crime
The above referenced bill expands the criteria for a hate crime to include trespass committed at a house of worship. The New York State Catholic Conference strongly supports this legislation.
Water Charges for Hospitals & Charities in NYC
Memorandum of Support
Re: A9670 Dais
Extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to the establishment of certain water charges for hospitals and charities in New York City
The above-referenced bill would extend a reduction in water charges that has long been offered to hospitals and other charitable organizations in New York City. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation. More
State Agency Contracts with Non-Profits
Memorandum of Support
Re: S4877 Mayer / A2740 Paulin
Reduces the number of days for a state agency to register contracts with not-for-profit organizations to 30; defines registered contracts
The above-referenced bill would ensure a timely procurement process for nonprofits by requiring state agencies to register their contracts within 30 days. The New York State Catholic Conference applauds this legislation and urges its passage.
Increases Library Materials Aid
Memorandum of Support
Re: S8478-A Chu
Increases Library Materials Aid to $11 per pupil with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index
The above referenced bill would increase the current per-pupil state aid rate to $6.25 to $11 beginning in the 2025 school year, with subsequent increases based on the Consumer Price Index.
Mental Health Services for Youth
Memorandum of Support
Re: S8146 Brouk / A9201 Kelles
Provides mental health teleservices to children, adolescents, and young adults
The above referenced bill would improve access to mental health services to youth by offering up to five mental telehealth services annually for youth or families at no cost to the individual. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.
Written Notice for False-Positive Prenatal Testing Results
Memorandum of Support
Re: S1159-A Skoufis
Requires a written notice on the occurrence of a false-positive result for any condition tested during a prenatal test
The above-referenced bill would require written notice be provided to pregnant women regarding the possibility of false-positive prenatal testing results. The New York State Catholic Conference wholeheartedly supports this legislation.
Physician-Assisted Suicide
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A995-B Paulin/S2445-B Hoylman-Sigal
Relates to the medical aid in dying act
The above-referenced bill would add a new section of the Public Health Law to allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication for the express purpose of ending a patient’s life.
The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this bill for many reasons.