Section 462 - Office of the advocate for people with disabilities(a) There is hereby established within the department of the state, an office of the advocate for people with disabilities. The office of the advocate for people with disabilities shall advise and assist state agencies in developing policies designed to help meet the needs of persons with disabilities. (b) The office of the advocate for people with disabilities shall: (i) be the state's coordinator for the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act; (ii) coordinate state activities to ensure that state programs do not discriminate against and are accessible to persons with disabilities; (iii) ensure that such programs provide services to individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs; and (iv) work with state agencies to develop legislation and potential regulatory changes to help effectuate the duties and responsibilities required in this article, and any other changes that may significantly affect the lives of persons with disabilities in the state. (c) The office of the advocate for people with disabilities shall, to the extent practicable, review and report to the governor upon proposed legislation and regulations. The office of the advocate for people with disabilities shall submit comments, where appropriate, to the state agency which referred such proposed legislation and regulations evaluating: (i) the impact of the proposed legislation or regulation upon persons with disabilities; (ii) the relationship and impact of such proposed legislation or regulation on existing programs affecting persons with disabilities; and (iii) any modifications that would help persons with disabilities or aid in the implementation of the new proposal. All state agencies shall cooperate with the office of the advocate for people with disabilities to ensure that the office is able to fulfill the requirements under this article.Repealed by New York Laws 2022, ch. 170,Sec. 1, eff. 4/1/2022.Added by New York Laws 2021, ch. 834,Sec. 1, eff. 4/1/2022.