Got this email last week:
Dear Lucas,
Minutes ago the New York State Senate gaveled out, ending this year’s
legislative session. Over the course of the 2014 session, NYSTLA and its
members put in long hours in Albany working to protect the civil justice
system and the consumers and victims across New York who rely on it. NYSTLA
did not achieve all of its goals, but progress was made on several important
pieces of pro-consumer legislation, while numerous attempts to weaken
existing consumer protections were defeated.
Scaffold Safety Law
Working with an unprecedented coalition of labor, community, and worker
safety organizations, NYSTLA defeated the strongest push in years to weaken
this common sense law, while also exposing the lies and false talking
points of Scaffold Safety Law opponents who spent millions of dollars
in a massive campaign to undermine the rights of construction workers
hurt on the job.
Date of Discovery
NYSTLA continues to make progress in closing this unfair loophole that
denies justice to many victims of inexcusable medical malpractice. A strong
new sponsor – Sen. Tom Libous, the deputy Majority Leader –
as well as 30 co-sponsors took up the bill; more than ever before. The
bill is now well-positioned for next session or a possible special session
later this year.
Protecting Consumers
Numerous attempts from corporations, municipalities, retailers and private
landowners trying to extract unconscionable immunity for their actions
were beaten back. NYSTLA also helped prevent an attempt to weaken the
workers’ compensation system, and a proposal to limit access to
healthcare through the no-fault system.
Protecting Patients
The out-of-state hospital records bill passed the Senate for the first
time. This legislation would simplify the procedure for admitting non-NY
hospital records into evidence.
Defending Drivers and Insurance Consumers
The Assembly passed the “SUM” bill, a critical piece of legislation
that would make sure New Yorkers are protected from accidents caused by
uninsured drivers. NYSTLA will continue to push for this important legislation
next year.
A special thank you goes to NYSTLA’s staff and lobbying team; NYSTLA’s
Legislative Committee for their tireless efforts vetting and monitoring
hundreds of bill each session; and to all the NYSTLA members who gave
up their valuable time to meet with legislators in Albany and in their
local districts. With your continued support, NYSTLA will enter next session
more prepared than ever to defend consumers and victims.