Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has put forward a new bill aimed at improving communication and accountability among government officials in response to recent actions taken by New York City Mayor Adams. These actions resulted in the relocation of migrants to the Super 8 motel in the town of Rotterdam, without any coordination or prior notice to local authorities, leading to the abrupt eviction of several Rotterdam residents with less than one hour's notice.

Expressing deep concern over the displacement of individuals and families already residing in such facilities, especially those experiencing poverty and personal hardships, Assemblyman Santabarbara emphasized the need to end this uncoordinated, secretive approach being employed by NYC Mayor Adams. His proposed legislation seeks to establish guidelines to ensure that advance consultations occur between state and municipal officials before any resettlement, transportation, or relocation of migrants within the state.

The key provisions of the bill require the municipality transferring migrants to engage in thorough consultation with the Governor of New York State and the municipal chief executive of the directly affected local jurisdictions, not later than 30 business days before the planned relocation.

Moreover, the bill mandates monthly reports from the municipal chief executive of the original municipality that funds or directs the relocation of migrants. These reports will be submitted to the Governor of New York State and the Chief Municipal Officer of the relevant County, City, Town, and Village in New York State where the migrants are being transported to. The reports will also be accessible to the public on a government website.

The reports will provide comprehensive data on the previous month's resettlement, transportation, or relocation of migrants in New York State, involving those directed, administered, or funded by the Federal Government or the original municipality, including individuals under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Alternatives to Detention program.

Among the information to be included in the reports are:

• The total number of migrants resettled, transported, or relocated during the previous month and the current calendar year, categorized by single adults, members of family units, and minors, with details on age, sex, and country of origin.
• The methods used to determine the ages of the individuals
• The methods used to verify the familial status of the individuals.
• The types of settings in which the individuals are being resettled, transported, or relocated, aggregated by the general type of setting.
• A summary of the educational or occupational resources or assistance provided to the migrants, including information on work permits and financial support.
• The total amounts spent by the original municipality on resettlement, transportation, or relocation.

Assemblyman Santabarbara emphasized the necessity of this legislation after the chaotic and confusing situation at the Rotterdam Super 8, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in critical matters. He believes that requiring advance consultation and comprehensive reporting will foster open dialogue between state and municipal officials, enabling a better understanding of the socioeconomic impact of such decisions. The goal is to find sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the hardships faced by those living in poverty in upstate communities.

Santabarbara urges fellow lawmakers and community members to support this crucial legislation, which will facilitate better communication and cooperation between communities in New York State regarding vital issues.