NY S07421

Expands the interagency coordinating committee on rural public transportation from 12 to 19 members, adding representatives from the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services, the justice center for protection of people with special needs, and the office of children and family services.

Requires the committee to meet at least once every three months and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature beginning October 1, 2018, detailing rural transportation systems, ridership data, Medicaid patient utilization, funding sources, and recommendations for service improvements.

Establishes that six legislative appointees and the transportation commissioner are voting members, while remaining members serve in an advisory capacity only.

Allows the commissioner of health to direct Medicaid transportation for eligible persons in rural counties to existing public transportation systems if appropriate, available, and least expensive, with an opt-out provision for counties in writing.

Takes effect immediately, except section two becomes effective 30 days after enactment and expires upon repeal of the underlying social services law provision.