Bill Memos
Prohibited Hospital Interference with Patient Care
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A5297 Paulin / S6616 May
Relates to prohibited hospital interference with patient care
The above-referenced legislation would purportedly prohibit hospital interference with patient care where the practitioner is acting in good faith and within their scope of practice. The bill is a clear violation of the rights of Catholic hospitals, and yet another attempt to disrupt the exceptional services that they provide.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Awareness
Memorandum of Support
Re: A4138-A McMahon
In relation to Down syndrome diagnosis awareness
The above-referenced legislation would create a Down syndrome awareness program to provide up-to-date and evidence-based information on Down syndrome to health care providers who order tests for a pregnant woman or infants to screen for Down syndrome. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.
Support and Services for Unaccompanied Minors
Memorandum of Support
Re: A3271 Hevesi / S4419 Fernandez
Provides for support and services for unaccompanied minors with no lawful immigration status
The above-referenced legislation would provide a variety of supports and services to minors in New York State who have entered the United States unaccompanied and without lawful immigration status. Services include health and behavioral health services under the Child Health Insurance Program, counseling sessions with social workers, legal services, language services, employment assistance, bilingual support groups, and enrollment in public schools.
The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.
Rural Suicide Prevention Council
Memorandum of Support
Re: A7188 Gunther
Establishes the Rural Suicide Prevention Council
The above referenced bill would establish a Rural Suicide Prevention Council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this important legislation.
Mothers and Infants Lasting Change (“MILC”) Allowance
Memorandum of Support
Re: S4578 Ramos/A6197 Clark
Establishes the Mothers and Infants Lasting Change (“MILC”) allowance
The above-referenced legislation would establish an income allowance for eligible participants during the last three months of pregnancy and the first 18 months of the child’s life. It would also exclude income received from this allowance for purposes of supplemental nutrition assistance eligibility. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this important measure.
Recoverability of Sovereign Debt
Memorandum of Support
Re: A2970 Fahy / S4747 Hoylman-Sigal
In relation to recoverability of sovereign debt
The above-referenced legislation is intended to promote effective and orderly sovereign debt restructuring for developing countries recovering from health and economic crises by achieving equitable burden-sharing between public and private creditors.
The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.
Reproductive Health Services Training Grant Program
Memorandum of Opposition
Re: A3279-A Epstein
Establishes a reproductive health services training grant program
The above-referenced legislation would establish a reproductive health services training and education grant program to train providers, interns, and residents in the performance of abortion, and establish an abortion training and education fund. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this tiresome, pandering bill for the stunt that it is.
Housing Program for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Memorandum of Support
Re: S5028-A Mannion
Relates to the creation of an innovative supportive housing program for persons with a developmental disability who wish and are able to safely reside in such a setting
The above referenced bill would provide innovative housing opportunities for persons with a developmental disability and enable them to reside together and live more independently. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.
Parental Notification for Abortions on Minors
Memorandum of Support
Re: S2911 Murray / A3398 DeStefano
In relation to parental notification for abortions performed on minors
The New York State Catholic Conference supports the above-referenced legislation which would support parents in the discharge of their parental responsibilities and promote the structure and stability of the family unit. This bill would require 48 hours’ notice to one parent prior to abortions performed on children under age 18.
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.