Matthew Hamilton is reporting for Capitol Confidential on the various policy platforms tucked into Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's executive budget proposal. Among the ideas proposed:
- The governor wants to increase fines for passing a stopped school bus, but the budget plan would allow school districts to enter into contracts with a third-party organization to install cameras on bus stop arms. The cameras would act like speed cameras, recording the license plates of violators, and the school district would receive the fines paid.
- More mini-bars and room service to hotels that do not have full service restaurants, by creating a new permit.
- Legislation to require all back seat passengers to wear seat belts. Under current law, children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt in the back seat.
- Ban even hands-free mobile phone and electronic device use for drivers under the age of 18.
- A continuation of the sales tax exemption for the purchase of food and drink from vending machines.
Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.