Bill Memos
Abortion Pill Access on College Campuses
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A1395-B Epstein
Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals
The above referenced legislation would provide access to the abortion pill on SUNY and CUNY campuses. The New York State Catholic Conference strongly opposes this dangerous and misguided bill.
Clean Slate Act
Memorandum of Concern
Re: S211-A Myrie / A1029-A Cruz
In relation to the Clean Slate Act
The above-referenced legislation would seal most misdemeanor and felony convictions following a waiting period and subject to certain conditions. While the NYS Catholic Conference is generally supportive of measures to give people convicted of crimes a second chance following the conclusion of their sentence, this bill has one critical flaw in that it would make it impossible for many organizations that work with children or vulnerable adults to adequately assess whether someone who wants to work or volunteer in one of their programs can safely be around children.
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.
Health Equity Impact Assessments
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A3113-A Clark / S3609-B Webb
Enhances the scope of health equity impact assessments to require consideration of reproductive health services and maternal health care
The above referenced legislation would require consideration of reproductive health services as part of health equity impact assessments. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this bill, which is another attempt to malign Catholic Hospitals.
Allowances for the Costs of Diapers
Memorandum of Support
Re: S1210 Persaud/A2872 Solages
In relation to allowances for the costs of diapers
The above-referenced bill would amend the Social Services Law to provide eligible parents with an allowance for the purchase of diapers for their infants and toddlers. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation and urges its approval.
Working Families Tax Credit
Memorandum of Support
Re: S277-A Gounardes / A4022-A Hevesi
Relates to a working families tax credit
The above referenced legislation would create the New York State Working Families Tax Credit by streamlining the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Empire State Child Tax Credit. The New York State Catholic Conference wholeheartedly supports this proposal.
Participation in State Contracts
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: S4287 Cooney/A1936 Gonzalez-Rojas
In relation to participating in state contracts
The above-referenced legislation declares that any state contract “shall be rendered forfeit and void” by the state comptroller if the contracted agency did not include in its employee health care plans “services for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive people, including but not limited to hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and treatment typically associated with one particular gender.”
Written Notice for False-Positive Prenatal Testing Results
Memorandum of Support
Re: S1159 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.
Medicaid Coverage for Childbirth
Memorandum of Support
Re: S1241 Sanders
In relation to Medicaid coverage for childbirth
The above-referenced legislation would establish mandatory Medicaid coverage for hospital stays for maternity patients and their newborn babies. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this bill and urges favorable committee action.
Paid Leave After a Stillbirth
Memorandum of Support
Re: S2175 Kennedy
In relation to paid family leave after a stillbirth
The above-referenced legislation would amend the Worker’s Compensation Law to provide for paid family leave for employees recovering following the birth of a stillborn child. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this bill and urges its enactment into law.