As 2017 draws to a close, Cuomo gets another big batch of bills

Ninety-eight bills were sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk on Wednesday by the Legislature, leaving just seven in the hopper as the year’s end draws near.

Cuomo will have until Dec. 18 to act on the bills on his desk, which include:

Buy American Act: This legislation was the subject of a deal at the end of the legislative session after it fell out of the state budget talks earlier in the year. The bill would require certain state agencies to use American-made structural iron and steel for all surface road and bridge projects. The Buy American program would apply to contracts worth $1 million or more and mandate that the entire manufacturing process for the steel and iron occur in the United States unless it can be proven that those materials should be exempted from the requirement (for example, if American materials would unreasonably increase project costs). It would apply to any contracts after April 1 next year. Not everyone is thrilled with this legislation. The Buffalo News reported last month that officials in Ontario and Quebec are not ruling out taking retaliatory trade measures against the state over this policy. Nonetheless, the bill would create a work group to consider the feasibility of expanding the program to cover other U.S.-manufactured products.

Diversity film tax credit: This legislation aims to incentivize the hiring of minority and women TV directors and writers. It would build on the state’s generous film tax credit program by providing credits for members of minority groups or women who are hired as writers or directors for productions shot in state. The bill sets aside $5 million, allowing production companies to claim up to $50,000 for a minority or female director or writer on an episode of a show. Credits would be capped at $150,000 per individual. Its boosters say it would help bring diversity to TV production. Its detractors say it adds to a bloated $420 million state film tax credit program.

Charitable Gaming Act: This bill would allow for charity raffle tickets to be purchased with cash, check, or credit or debit cards. It also would allow raffle tickets to be purchased online or on a mobile app. Sponsors contend that advances in technology over the years bring about the need for the state to keep up with new ways for charities to raise funds. The governor vetoed similar legislation last year, citing constitutional concerns when it comes to online sales. Cuomo came out with some charitable gaming changes earlier this year, though he did not go as far as proposing online raffle ticket sales.