Int. No. 1538
By Council Members Van Bramer and Gjonaj
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring the department of cultural affairs to report on admissions policies for senior citizens and people with disabilities and develop a plan to improve access
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 67 of the New York city charter is amended by adding a new section 2508 to read as follows:
§ 2508. Requirement to report on admissions policies. a. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Admission rate. The term “admission rate” means the number of individuals given entrance or attendance to a cultural institution per year.
Disability. The term “disability” means any physical, medical, mental or psychological impairment, or a history or record of such impairment.
Senior Citizen. The term “senior citizen” means any person 55 years of age or older.
b. No later than August 1, 2019, and on or before August 1 annually thereafter, the department shall prepare and file with the mayor and the council, and post on its website, a report on the:
1. Admissions policies of cultural institutions and organizations that receive funding from the department in relation to senior citizens and people with disabilities;
2. Admission rates of senior citizens and people with disabilities to cultural institutions and organizations that receive funding from the department; and
3. Challenges faced by senior citizens and people with disabilities seeking admission to cultural institutions and organizations that receive funding from the department.
c. The report referenced in subdivision b of this section shall delineate the types of disabilities to which the admissions rates and policies apply.
d. After completing the study, the department shall develop and submit to the mayor and the council recommendations of how the cultural institutions may improve access for senior citizens and people with disabilities and a plan to implement the department’s recommendations.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
JG
LS # 6594
8/28/18