A hearing on addressing the needs of homeless veterans in New York City.

Discussions focused on:

• Progress in reducing veteran homelessness
• Challenges in transitioning veterans from shelters to permanent housing
• Improving conditions at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
• Strategies to better identify and serve veterans in the shelter system

Recommendations included:

• Implementing RTM therapy for PTSD treatment
• Establishing veterans committees on community boards
• Improving job training opportunities
• Addressing the needs of female homeless veterans

Features testimony from the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the public.

A hearing on detecting, preventing, and responding to public health emergencies in New York City.

Discussions focused on:

• Improving emergency preparedness
• Addressing recent federal changes affecting public health policy
• Various health issues including bird flu (H5N1), monkeypox, tuberculosis, and childhood vaccination rates

The hearing also covered funding challenges, particularly reduced state funding (Article 6) for NYC public health services and potential changes to federal funding.

Several health-related resolutions were considered, with emphasis on the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).

Features testimony from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), state legislators, and the public.

A hearing on the NYPD's implementation of the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act.

Discussions focused on:

• Concerns about transparency
• Incomplete disclosures of surveillance technologies
• Data sharing practices
• Potential discriminatory impacts

The hearing also covered proposed bills to enhance oversight, including requirements for more detailed impact and use policies and mandated audits of facial recognition technology.

Debates arose over the NYPD's use of facial recognition, predictive policing, and data sharing with federal agencies.

Features testimony from the Department of Investigation, NYPD officials, civil liberties organizations, and the public.

The Stated Meeting happens every 2 weeks (4 weeks in summer), when the council votes on and introduces new legislation.

Notably at this meeting, the council also introduces Joann Ariola as the new Republican minority leader.

The council also passes several land use items including rezoning projects for affordable housing, and multiple bills on public service announcements in American Sign Language, improving access to after-school program information, and strengthening deed theft prevention measures.

A vote. The committee unanimously passes two bills aimed at improving accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals:

• Intro 138-A, mandating public service announcements in American Sign Language on Link NYC kiosks
• Intro 646-A, concerning reporting on the implementation of next-generation 911 services