A bill that would open the door to church taxation advanced out of the New York State Real Property Taxation Committee on February 24, 2009. The bill, A772, sponsored by Assemblymember Aileen Gunther (D – Forestburgh), would allow fire districts to impose ad valorem levies and special assessments on otherwise tax-exempt real property. In plain language, this bill would be a financial benefit to fire departments, but places a new tax burden on churches and other non-profit organizations.

The Assembly Health Committee has moved two bills that deal with mandatory immunizations for students. One bill, A880, sponsored by Assemblyman Gottfried (D – Manhattan) states that a child could be exempt from immunization if given a written opinion by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.