Relates to establishing the New York state grid modernization commission; provides the commission shall conduct a study of research, development and demonstrations of electric grid modernization and shall issue such report to the state energy planning board for consideration in the state energy plan.
Provides that property receiving an agricultural assessment which is converted for purposes of oil or gas exploration shall be subject to payments equaling five times the taxes saved in the last year in which the land benefited from an agricultural assessment; exempts property converted for solar development from such payments.
Requires the New York state energy and research development authority inspect and certify solar energy systems as fire safe and that the results of such inspection are provided to the public.
Requires public authorities and public benefit corporations to negotiate with professional firms providing architectural, engineering, geological, landscape architectural or surveying services in order from the most qualified to the least qualified with regard to the provision of services to the authority or corporation.
Prohibits broad indemnification by a design professional of a state or local agency or political subdivision involving public work for contracts except to the extent that damages were caused by or are the proximate result of the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional.
Establishes the professional practice of community midwifery; defines as the management in the home, birth center, or community setting, of normal pregnancies, child birth, and postpartum care, including newborn evaluation, resuscitation and referral for infants; sets requirements for license and practice.