JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION/HEALTH
MINUTES March 19, 2001
LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Abinanti, Mosiello, Oros, Maisano and Ryan
STAFF: Bass, Giordano
HEALTH
MEMBERS: Abinanti, Chair, Carsky, Stewart-Cousins,
Swanson
GUESTS: William Randolph (CE), Liz Salvi (Law), Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz (Law), Michael Kaplowitz (BOL), Pat Ploger (PMCA), Barbara Harmatz (Law), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Ann Nelson (LWV), George Hosey (Co. Plumbing Bd.), Tatian Louis (ACS), Lillian Jones (ACS), Marshall Goldberg, J. Lipsman (Co. Health Dept.), Ebersole (WCHD), Pat Brodhagen (Food Ind.)
The Chair, Andrea-Stewart Cousins called the Joint Meeting on Legislation and Health to order at 1:24 p.m.
Minutes of January 22nd, 29th, February 5th and 14th were read and approved by motions of Bronz and Oros.
The following items were received and filed:
#39 Use of phone while operating a motor vehicle
Subtopics on Cell Phones: #28, #53, #68, #95, #115
#105 Electronic Voting Machines
#106 Electronic Voting
#119 Junior Leagues State Legislative Memos
#127 Solid Waste & Recyclables Collection Licencing Law
JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION/HEALTH
MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2001
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A motion was made by Bronz to receive and file the above items and was seconded by Mosiello.
The Liaison of the Lesbian Community could not be present at the meeting today.
Domestic Partner Registry.
The County Attorney reported that, as requested, the law in New York City was looked into and it is a comprehensive law. There is reportedly a list of 30 different benefits in the registry including those that give benefits to City employees. In addition, domestic partners are allowed visitations in city jails and juvenile detention facilities. It was also pointed out that the New York State Legislature’s Domestic Partner Registry provides for health insurance and life insurance benefits that normally go to spouses and anti-discrimination laws were added. The county attorney said it that each municipality could choose what benefits would apply and the criteria for qualifying as a domestic partner. It was further stated that the Town of Greenburgh and Eastchester have established Domestic Partner Registries. The committee asked the County Attorneys' office to advise on which possibilities could work in Westchester.
Cell Phones:
Michael Kaplowitz joined the meeting to discuss cell phone amendments. Much discussion took place regarding the definition of hand-held cell phones and whether the language would make it impossible not to break the law. It was determined that changes in the definition could make it clearer that once could use a hands-free device.
Several other questions arose including that posed by an industry representative whose workers used Nextel, a hand-held successor of the 2-way radio, and whether the law deal with radio communications, cd operators, and Nextel operators?
JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION/HEALTH
MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2001
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It was concluded that Nextel would also be subject to the legislation. In addition clarification of definitions and language regarding hands free devices were added.
A motion was made by Abinanti to accept the amendments and it was seconded by Mosiello. All in favor: 7-0
At this point, the Health Committee convened.