Amends the definition of "developmental disability" to include an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of the disability.
Summary
Bill S03996 seeks to amend the mental hygiene law in New York by redefining 'developmental disability' to explicitly include individuals who cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity due to their disability. This change aims to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring that their needs are recognized and addressed within the legal framework. By broadening the definition, the bill aims to enhance access to necessary services and support for affected individuals.
Impact
The amendment to the definition of 'developmental disability' will have significant implications for state laws regarding mental health and disability services. It may lead to an increase in eligibility for various support programs and services designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, thereby improving their access to resources. Additionally, this change may influence funding allocations and policy decisions related to mental health and disability services in New York.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03996 appears to be positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Senate Mental Health Committee vote, where all 7 members voted in favor of the bill. This suggests a strong consensus among committee members regarding the importance of addressing the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention reported in the discussions or voting history related to Bill S03996. The lack of opposition in the committee vote indicates that the bill is largely supported by stakeholders and legislators involved in mental health and disability issues.
Same As
Amends the definition of "developmental disability" to include an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of the disability.
Adds Down syndrome to the definition of developmental disability for the purpose of making Down syndrome an automatic qualifier for Medicaid; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of ten who cannot demonstrate that their disability constitutes a substantial handicap to their ability to function in a normal society, but that have a high probability of meeting such criteria later in life; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of four.
Adds Down syndrome to the definition of developmental disability for the purpose of making Down syndrome an automatic qualifier for Medicaid; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of ten who cannot demonstrate that their disability constitutes a substantial handicap to their ability to function in a normal society, but that have a high probability of meeting such criteria later in life; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of four.
Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual comprehensive summary of information about its activities to the office for people with developmental disabilities' website, in an accessible format.
Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual comprehensive summary of information about its activities to the office for people with developmental disabilities' website, in an accessible format.
Provides that a member of a public retirement system who has been determined to have a permanent partial disability by the workers' compensation board of the state of New York, and who the United States social security administration has determined is disabled for substantial gainful activity, and approved for social security disability benefits, shall be deemed to be disabled for the purposes of eligibility for disability benefits of such public retirement system.
Requires the definition of "minority" to include "people with disabilities" pursuant to the Human Rights law in order for such people with disabilities to be eligible for state contract set asides.