Prohibits charging a fee for the issuance of a certificate of still birth or pregnancy loss; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.
Impact
By repealing the existing law that allowed local registrars to impose fees on these certificates, the bill would significantly ease access to vital documents for families dealing with stillbirth and pregnancy loss. It aligns with broader public health goals aimed at supporting parents during difficult times and acknowledges the importance of providing compassionate services in the realm of maternal and child health. The impact is likely to be felt across local health departments, which will need to adapt to the new requirement of issuing these documents free of charge.
Summary
Bill S08757 aims to amend the public health law of New York by explicitly prohibiting the charging of fees for the issuance of certificates related to stillbirth and pregnancy loss. The bill seeks to ensure that families experiencing such losses can acquire necessary documentation without incurring financial burdens. This legislative change reflects a compassionate approach to addressing sensitive issues surrounding birth and loss, recognizing the emotional trauma faced by families during these moments.
Contention
While the bill has a sympathetic premise, there could be varying opinions regarding the financial implications for local health departments that historically relied on these fees as a form of revenue. Critics may argue that without these fees, there may be a strain on local budgets or that this could lead to challenges in resource allocation within public health departments. Furthermore, there could be discussions about how this change interacts with larger funding and resource models within the broader public health system, potentially leading to debates about fiscal responsibility within local governments.
Same As
Prohibits charging a fee for the issuance of a certificate of still birth or pregnancy loss; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.
Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with such individual's ongoing supervision in the community.
Prohibits certain financial institutions from charging a fee for making monthly, semi-monthly, and biweekly payments or for changing the frequency of mortgage payments.
Prohibits certain financial institutions from charging a fee for making monthly, semi-monthly, and biweekly payments or for changing the frequency of mortgage payments.