Establishes a special needs assisted living demonstration program to authorize up to three assisted living programs throughout the state to serve individuals with special needs, including, but not limited to, individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments.
Opens eligibility of paratransit services to individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize the public buses and railroad operated by the authority.
Authorizes the Department of Veterans' Services to consult and collaborate with relevant offices in the federal department of veterans affairs, the department of health, the state office for the aging and other HCBS experts to develop educational materials for veterans and their families about the accessibility to home and community-based services.
Extends the effectiveness of the requirement that upon the closure or transfer of a state-operated individualized residential alternative the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities shall provide appropriate and timely notification to the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, and appropriate representatives of impacted labor organizations, and shall make reasonable efforts to inform the affected workforce, residents and family members of the proposed closure or transfer plan.
Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual report to the governor, temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on the activities of the council, and to make such report public.
Establishes the toll-free overnight hours pilot program to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours, provide economic relief to drivers and businesses, and encourage efficient freight operations by implementing toll-free travel during designated overnight hours on the New York state thruway; repeals certain provisions upon expiration thereof.