The state's lobbying law is strengthened for the first time in 20 years. Governor Pataki announces that he will order New York's power plants to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide substantially below the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. Consumer protections for hearing aid purchases is dramatically overhauled and strengthened.
Consumers are als o protected by laws requiring banks to provide safety measures at all ATMs.
An Environmental Protection Fund is established to provide money for recycling and other environmental projects. Voter registration forms are simplified to make registering easier. Legislation makes it easier for consumers to collect small claims court judgments. The Hearing Aid Sales Practice Act, which requires prescriptions for the sale of hearing aids to prevent consumer fraud, is adopted.