Beware of Price Gouging Following Severe Weather

New York State officials have issued an alert warning businesses against price gouging of essential items as severe weather impacted communities throughout New York:

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

Price gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

When reporting price gouging, consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and,
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Consumer Alert: Cyberattack on Change Healthcare’s systems affected millions of patients and providers nationwide

New York State officials have issued a consumer alert to raise awareness about free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services available for millions of consumers impacted by the Change Healthcare data breach:

In February, Change Healthcare, which operates the nation’s largest electronic health care payment system, experienced a cyberattack that exposed the personal information of millions of patients, including millions of New Yorkers. After the cyberattack…. Change Healthcare is offering all New York residents free credit monitoring and identity theft protections for two years to safeguard their personal information.

According to officials consumers should be aware of potential warning signs that someone is using their medical information. These signs include:

• Bills for medical services they did not receive.
• Errors in their Explanation of Benefits statement, such as charges for services never received or prescriptions not taken.
• Calls from debt collectors about medical debts they do not owe.
• Medical debt collection notices on their credit report that they do not recognize.
• Notices from their health insurance company about reaching benefit limits.
• Denials of insurance coverage due to inaccurate pre-existing conditions.

The New York State Attorney General’s office is encouraging everyone to use the free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to safeguard their information. These resources will be available for free for two years. Consumers can enroll in free credit monitoring and identity protection services online or by calling 1-866-262-5342.

Second Amendment Legal Update, July 2024

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

State Launches Broadband Assistance Program

New York State has began accepting applications for the Regional and Local Broadband Assistance Program.

The program is intended to support government entities with grants or technical assistance to prepare for broadband deployment or other local digital equity initiatives and provide grant funding for hiring specialized personnel, training, and acquiring tools and resources needed to enhance broadband planning and execution capabilities.

The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024.

For more information, click here.

New York State Legislature End-of-Session Update

On June 8, the New York State Legislature completed its regular session, having given final two-house passage to a total of 805 bills.

The New York State Conference of Mayors has put together a comprehensive municipal law summary, which includes bills that passed both houses and have an impact on local governments, as well as an update on the final status of several other bills of interest to municipalities that did not receive final passage.

For a complete copy of the summary, click here.

Office for Justice Initiatives’ 2024 Law Day Report Announced.

Press release:

As we close out our Law Day 2024 celebrations, Judge Richardson is pleased today to announce the release of OJI’s 2024 Law Day Report, centered

around this year’s theme, “Voices of Democracy,” which encourages civic participation in ensuring that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people.

The Office for Justice Initiatives is made up of seven divisions: Access to Justice; Equal Justice; Youth and Emerging Adult Justice; Policy and Planning; Judiciary Civil Legal Services, Diversity and Inclusion; and Child Welfare and Family Justice. The report highlights the important work of each division within the context of the “Voices of Democracy” theme.

“In keeping with this year’s Law Day theme, the May 2024 Law Day Report showcases the efforts of the Office for Justice Initiatives over the past year through the voices of those who work in our courts, those who work with our courts, and those who are served by our courts,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Richardson, announcing the report’s release. “And for those who access the report digitally, not only will you be able to read their words but also hear their actual voices.”

Law Day is held annually on May 1. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation to mark our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Each year the American Bar Association selects an annual theme for Law Day.

New York Court System Launches Guardianship Resource Webpage

Press Release:

This useful information for anyone interested in learning more about the guardianship process, including informational videos (with subtitles in several languages), a glossary online resource contains

of commonly used guardianship terms, and links to critical information and resources for appointed guardians.

The Guardianship Resource Webpage was built as part of a nearly $1,000,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, to modernize and reimagine guardianship proceedings in New York State. The Unified Court System’s partners in this endeavor are Project Guardianship and JASA. Other components of the grant include creating a guardianship-specific module in the court system’s case management system, the creation of standard motion and order templates commonly used in guardianship cases, and significant outreach to guardianship stakeholders.

What Is Guardianship?

Guardianship gives a person or organization the legal right to make certain decisions for another person. Guardianship requires going to court and only a judge can appoint a guardian.

A person may need a guardian if they are unable to make decisions, manage their affairs, and are at risk of harm because of serious illness, disability, dementia, or other conditions that impacts their ability to think and act clearly.

Second Amendment Legal Update: June, 2024

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County officials warn: Beware scams when challenging property taxes.

Schuyler County officials are warning property owners to beware of scams in which companies or individuals charge fees to dispute your property assessment or offer to appear in court for you without being licensed lawyers. In many cases, you can challenge your property assessment on your own, free of charge.

According to Real Property Tax Office Director Kelly Anderson, some property owners in Schuyler County are receiving a flier regarding a fee-based service to have their property’s taxable value reduced. The flier tells homeowners they must appeal “immediately” and offers to appear before the board of assessment review and in state court on the owners’ behalf. The flier does not fully explain the services, or the fees involved, yet it contains a signature line for property owners to indicate they have hired this company or individual.

“I am concerned about the potential for scamming the public and creating additional confusion. I have had a few very confused people come to my office who signed the solicitation letter believing that they are filing the proper paperwork to grieve their assessment,” Anderson said. “This is not the correct legal document for that purpose, nor does it protect their right to challenge their property assessment.”

According to Anderson, while a property owner may authorize another person or company to grieve their assessment, this process is something you can do for yourself for free by completing the New York State “Complaint on Real Property Assessment Form” (RP-524) and filing it on or before your town’s grievance day. Property owners are encouraged to contact her office or look online at the office’s official website for additional information.

According to Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, homeowners who believe they need legal assistance appealing their tax assessments should contact a local attorney or the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: 1 (800) 342-3661.

“New York State law prohibits non-lawyers from practicing law, and unauthorized practice may be a crime,” Getman said. “This may include impersonating an attorney or offering legal services under a title other than attorney or lawyer.”

According to Schuyler County Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Hourihan, anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud is encouraged to report complaints to their local law enforcement agencies or to the Schuyler County District Attorney’s office.

“Stressful and uncertain situations create opportunities for scammers to take advantage of vulnerable populations,” Hourihan said. “If you believe that you have been taken advantage of, or are a victim of fraud, please contact law enforcement immediately. Prompt reporting might save yourself or another taxpayer from a scam.”

Schuyler County High School Graduate Essay Contest Announced

The Schuyler County Republican Committee is inviting local high school graduates to enter its 2024 Constitutional Essay Contest.

According to GOP Chair Maryann Friebis, one graduate will be selected to win a $1500 award. The winner will be selected based upon an essay on one of the following topics:

1. The interaction between the 14th Amendment and the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
2. Does a constitutional right to privacy exist?
3. Do Second Amendment rights apply to persons residing in the United States in contravention to U.S. immigration law?

Judges for the contest will be Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, County Attorney Steven Getman and Public Defender Josette Colon.

The contest is open to any 2024 high school graduate (including home-schooled students) legally residing in Schuyler County who will be continuing their education or entering military service after graduation.

Entries must be submitted prior to 12:00 AM on May 27, 2024. Winners will be announced by the Schuyler County Republican Committee at a date to be determined. The winner will be notified after the judging has been completed prior to graduation.

For more information, and a complete copy of the contest rules and entry forms, contact the Schuyler County Republican Committee.