Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed two pieces of legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Charles D. Fall (D-Richmond/Manhattan). (A.9513/Chap.234) and (A.7487/Chap.238) were both signed on June 30^th.

• A.9513; the law grants both public and private employees up to four hours to receive the vaccine or booster without having to exhaust their other piles of leave.
  • o The law extends current provisions of law that Assemblyman Fall passed in 2021 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023.
• A.7487; amends the general business law, in relation to debt collection procedures related to identity theft
  • o Under current law, a principal creditor shall cease collection activities until completion of the review of certain information submitted by a debtor who claims they were the victim of identity theft.
  • o The victim must have filed a police report alleging the identity theft; there is no alternative reporting permitted under the law.
  • o The purpose of this measure is to protect victims of identity theft by requiring creditors to cease collection activities until completion of their review of certain information, giving the victim the option to have reported such acts to law enforcement or through a filing made by the victim to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ID Theft Victim's reporting process.

“I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing my legislation. It is vital that essential civil servants, which include healthcare workers, emergency medical service personnel, staff in congregate care facilities, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, teachers, and private sector employees, receive the vaccine in as expeditious a manner as possible in order to continue serving on the frontlines of this pandemic at decreased risk to themselves and their families.

It is likewise vital that the public and private workforce working at all levels and positions receive the vaccine and booster in order to keep our small businesses, healthcare and nursing home facilities, entertainment venues and our state open and running as effectively as possible as the pandemic continues.

Identity theft can occur under many different circumstances to many different types of victims. While many assume identity, theft occurs between parties who do not know each other, identity theft also occurs as a result of a domestic violence or an elder abuse situation, where the perpetrator is known to the victim. Under circumstances where the victim is familiar with the perpetrator, the victim may not be able to or may not wish to pursue criminal charges.This might be the victim's choice, or their only choice if their safety is at risk, but it doesn't

mean that they shouldn't have protections. afforded to them under state law.

Affording victims of identity theft an alternate way to report such victimization for debtors to pause collection efforts while other factors are considered is the right thing to do. Such added language does very little to impede a legitimate debtor's rights, but it can do much to protect those who may not be safe turning to law enforcement to report such activity.” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall.