NYC Council Votes to Expand Availability of Rapid STI Testing Sites

Council also voted on legislation to address inequities in public school dress code policies

City Hall, NY - Today, the New York City Council voted on legislation to expand the availability of rapid testing sites for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the city, representing a critical next step in citywide efforts to reduce rates of STIs and HIV. Currently, rapid testing is only provided at two clinics, but the bill will require the City to double the number of sites over the next three years.

The Council also voted on legislation that would address inequities in public school dress code policies. Dress code policies in NYC Department of Education (DOE) schools vary widely, and students and advocates have reported that some school dress code policies have unfairly targeted and criminalized LGBTQ+ students and students of color. This was a concern also raised by youth advocates as part of the Young Women's Initiative 2.0, an initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for young women and girls. The bill and resolution voted on today aim to improve transparency and promote policies that protect students from sexist and heteronormative dress codes and the enforcement of standards that target girls and students of color.

"Expanding health services to meet the needs of New Yorkers in their communities has always been a priority for this Council," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "With the passage of today's legislation, more residents will soon have greater access to rapid STI testing that can prevent unnecessary spread and transmission. The Council is also taking steps to help address inequities within our public school system's dress code policies, a concern raised by youth advocates as part of the Council's Young Women's Initiative 2.0. By requiring greater transparency and calling for inclusivity in the dress code, our legislation can help advance anti-discrimination protections that support all students. I thank my Council colleagues for their leadership and support on these important bills."

Expanding Availability of Rapid Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction 435-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to make available rapid testing services for sexually transmitted infections in at least 4 boroughs. DOHMH would be required to determine the locations for rapid testing services and report to the Council on the considerations that went into making those determinations. DOHMH would also be required to conduct an education campaign to inform communities about the locations and availability of rapid testing services, and to report to the Council annually for 3 years on the availability of rapid testing services throughout New York City.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, racial inequities in sexually transmitted infection rates have skyrocketed, most harshly impacting New Yorkers at the intersection of Black, Latino, low-income and LGBTQ+ communities," said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. "In NYC, Black and African American people and Latinx people made up more than 80% new HIV infections in 2022. The Bronx in particular suffers from the highest rate of HIV infection and deaths across New York State's 62 counties, the highest rate of chlamydia infections, and the second-high rates of gonorrhea in the five boroughs. Study after CDC study has shown these inequities are not about risk behaviors but are a direct result of a lack of access to testing, prevention, treatment and care. That is why the passage of Int. 435 is so important. By expanding access to rapid STI testing in partnership with community-based organizations with the ability to reach the most impacted communities, we are taking an essential step in addressing horrific inequities in STI infection rates and investing in the long-term health of the people of New York City. It is time to ensure everyone has access to the life-saving services they need."

Requiring Transparency and Addressing Inclusivity in NYC Department of Education's Dress Code Policies

Dress code policies in DOE schools vary widely, as schools are permitted to adopt individual dress code policies at their own discretion. Despite existing regulations, students and advocates have reported that some school dress code policies have unfairly targeted and criminalized LGBTQ+ students and students of color. Increased transparency around school dress code policies provides needed oversight to ensure that these policies establish non-discriminatory protections for students.

Introduction 118-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to post dress code policies on its website and report on dress code policies in DOE schools for five years, including information about whether each school has a dress code policy and data on dress code violations and penalties, broken down by month, week, and student race and gender.

"Uneven dress code policies in New York City public schools have led to disproportionate discipline and consequences for students simply expressing themselves," said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. "Students and families should have the opportunity to easily access any school's dress code policy in a central location on the Department of Education's website and determine if their individual schools' policies are truly non-discriminatory and aligned with DOE guidelines. My hope is that this transparency will bring us towards consistent, inclusive and fair policies across our school system that do not unjustly target our students."

Resolution 292, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, calls on the New York City Department of Education to create an inclusive school dress code policy that complies with Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments Act and accounts for diverse cultures, gender expressions and body diversity.

A DOE-wide school dress code policy would create a framework for protecting students from sexist and heteronormative dress codes, eliminating the enforcement of standards that target girls and students of color. It would also allow for flexibility in the creation of school-level dress code policies and should be created through consultation with diverse communities within the DOE school system and engagement with youth who are impacted.

"Resolution 292 pushes for an inclusive dress code to account for diverse cultures, gender expression, and body diversity," said Council Member Althea Stevens. "The next step will be to engage in meaningful dialogue with our youth and the Department of Education to fine-tune the specifics of the dress code policy. It is vital for young people to shape the changes they want to see in their schools. I am committed to ensuring our city takes strides towards inclusivity, allowing the space for students to express themselves through their clothing"

Strengthening Oversight of City Contract Procurement Procedures

Introduction 863-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would require public notice if an actual contract differs from the agency procurement plan in terms of contract length, nature of services, or affected civil service titles and headcount. It would also apply these requirements to contract amendments that would increase a contract's value to over $1 million and reduce the public notice period for such unplanned contract actions from 60 to 10 days. This bill aims to strengthen oversight of city service contracts by expanding some provisions in Local Law 63 of 2011, which requires agencies to publish an annual procurement plan detailing the anticipated contracting actions for the coming fiscal year to prevent displacement of city employees.

"There is no need to choose between quick project timelines and strong oversight; we can have both," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "New York City has the greatest municipal workforce in the world, and we should prioritize, value, and compensate their labor every time we can. Where we do need contractors, the greatest city in the world should settle for nothing less than the greatest procurement process in the world."

Authorizing Legal Action in Defense of Law Banning Solitary Confinement

Resolution 504, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would authorize the Speaker to engage in litigation on behalf of the Council of the City of New York to oppose the Department of Correction's efforts to suspend Local Law 42 of 2024.

"It's unfortunate that the Council is forced to defend our institutional prerogative after passing Local Law 42 and then overriding the mayor's veto," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "However, it's clear the mayor will try to weaken the law in court. Local Law 42 bans solitary confinement, globally recognized as torture that causes physical and psychological harm. My resolution allows us to not only defend the Council's authority but recommits us to banning this cruel practice in our city jails. This is a vital step in ensuring humane treatment in our jails and protecting the health and dignity of every individual. We must stand firm in our commitment to justice and human rights."

Establishing Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Resolution 10, sponsored by Council Member Robert Holden, would recognize July 27 annually as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day in the City of New York to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served.

"The Korean War, often called the 'Forgotten War,' was largely overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War," said Council Member Robert Holden, Chair of the Committee on Veterans. "Recognizing Korean War Veterans Armistice Day ensures that the bravery and contributions of these veterans are never forgotten. Today's passage of Resolution 10 in the NYC Council, recognizing July 27 annually as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day in the City of New York, is a great step in honoring those who served in the war."

Land Use

The Landmarks Preservation Commission's designation of the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk as an historic landmark in Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez's district. The Old Croton Aqueduct Walk is a public walkway on top of the Old Croton Aqueduct, an engineering marvel built in 1842 which brought the first direct water supply to New York City. Upon its completion, the 41-mile-long aqueduct carried 45 million gallons of water daily to the city from a reservoir in Croton, New York. On April 27, 1940, after completing a substantial renovation, the Parks Department opened the Aqueduct Walk as an official public park, and it continues to maintain and upgrade the park to this day.

2118 Avenue U Rezoning - An application to facilitate the development of a new four-story mixed use-building. It will include approximately 10 housing units, three affordable units and ground-floor commercial retail space, in Council Member Inna Vernikov's district.

58-75 Queens Midtown Expressway Rezoning - An application to facilitate the enlargement of a pre-existing development site in Council Member Julie Won's district.

27-24 College Point Boulevard Overlay - An application to facilitate the development of a one-story commercial building with a drive-through, and bring several existing commercial uses into conformance, in Council Member Vickie Paladino's district.

Resilient Homes Staten Island - An HPD application for UDAAP approval and Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the construction of eight two-family homes and seven one-family homes containing a total of 23 units. The sites, which were part of the Build it Back Program after being ravaged by Hurricane Sandy, will be redeveloped under the HPD's Open Door Program, creating new homeownership buildings affordable to moderate- and middle-income households in Council Member David Carr's district.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, reauthorizing a 40-year Article V tax exemption for the preservation of one rent-stabilized building in Council Member Osse's district.

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