ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [AI] IS NOT USED IN COMPOSING NYPPL SUMMARIES OF JUDICIAL AND QUASI-JUDICIAL DECISIONS.

Dec 23, 2025

Selected items posted on Internet blogs this week

Autonomous Tech: Building Resilient Public Services Learn how state/local agencies can adopt autonomous technologies while preserving governance, equity, and trust. READ MORE 

CIO Essentials: Vital Priorities for a Transforming Landscape This paper discusses the four core priorities CIOs must focus on to meet this moment: modernizing legacy systems, advancing data and AI maturity, leading enterprise security and driving operational efficiency. DOWNLOAD 

How Smart Police Stations Are Redefining Public Service Self-service kiosks are helping law enforcement agencies deliver faster, clearer service by digitizing high-impact workflows and reducing front-desk demands. READ NOW 

Navigating H.R. 1: A Medicaid Checklist for Government Agencies New Medicaid work and reporting requirements are fast approaching. This checklist helps state agencies assess how prepared they are to verify employment, education, and life changes without creating administrative gridlock. DOWNLOAD

Chart a Smarter, Secure Path for AI in Higher Ed Discover practical steps to implement AI responsibly to help improve student services and drive operational efficiency. Download the Guide



Second Circuit Court of Appeals rules that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey does not enjoy state sovereign immunity when sued in federal court

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey [Port Authority] appealed the decision of a Federal District Court holding in favor of one of its former employees [Petitioner]. The Petitioner had sued his former employer, the Port Authority, seeking to be indemnified for certain legal expenses he had incurred. 

The federal district court had dismissed the Petitioner's complaint "for lack of subject matter jurisdiction" on the ground that Petitioner had failed to plead that the Port Authority had waived its "state sovereign immunity". 

The Circuit of Appeals reverse the District Court's ruling, noting that the United States Supreme Court has held that the Port Authority does not have the sovereign immunity “that a State enjoys”, citing Hess v. Port Auth. Trans-Hudson Corp., 513 U.S. 30, 33 (1994). 

Accordingly, explained the Circuit Court, Petitioner was not required to plead that the Port Authority had waived its immunity. 

The Circuit Court vacate the judgment of the District Court and remand the matter to the District Court for further proceedings.

Judge Carney concurred in the Circuit Court's judgment in a separate opinion.

Click HERE to access the decision of the Circuit Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.

Dec 22, 2025

Division of Local Government Services Training Program


Registration for DOS Local Government Training program’s Winter Webinar series for Local Governing Boards, Planning Board, Zoning Boards of Appeals, Zoning Enforcement Officers, Planning Staff and other officials is now open!

The webinars will be held on Monday evenings in December and January from 6-8pm on WebEx. We will conclude the series with a daytime training for planning and zoning board clerks and other municipal staff on Thursday, January 22 at 2pm.

View the training schedule here

Zoning Basics for Enforcement Officials and Board Members: 12/22/2025 6-8 PM (2 hours credit)

Register

Planning Board Overview:
1/5/2026 6-8 PM (2 hours credit)

Register

Zoning Board of Appeals Overview:
1/12/2026 6-8 PM (2 hours credit).

Register

Essentials for Planning and Zoning Board Staff:
1/22/2026 2-3:30 PM (1.5 hours credit)

Register

The Division of Local Government Services

The Department of State’s Local Government Training staff teaches land use planning, regulation, local governance and procedure to local elected and appointed officials at regional and county workshops across the state.

The staff is also available to assist members of planning boards, zoning boards of appeals, local governing boards, and municipal staff with technical assistance, information, explanations, tips and examples of successful approaches to land use and other local regulation.

Members of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals are required by state statute to obtain four hours of training a year. All on-site and online interactive training courses offered by local government training staff count toward this requirement.

To discuss scheduling a training workshop or obtain other assistance,
call the Local Government Training program at 518-473-3355
or email localgov@dos.ny.gov.

Learn More

Dec 20, 2025

Selected items posted on the Internet during the week ending December 19, 2025

Reports by New York State Comptroller Comptroller Thomas P DiNapoli. Comptroller DiNapoli reports that some members of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) — are facing a complex economic landscape that threatens their financial well-being. Click new report released.

Is Your FOIA Records Process Optimized? Evaluate your agency's public records workflow and uncover improvement opportunities for 2026 Learn More

Stopping Next-Gen Identity Fraud How AI-enabled identity tools and collaborative strategies combat rogue AI, synthetic identities and remote-hiring vulnerabilities. READ NOW

Procuring a Modern Payment Platform Payments are a critical but often underprioritized factor in user experience. As governments work to become more responsive and resident-centric, payment strategies should emphasize enterprise platform approaches and innovative capabilities like digital wallets and recurring payment options. This paper offers practical advice for procuring modern payment solutions that support a superior user experience. DOWNLOAD

Navigating H.R. 1: A Checklist for the New SNAP Compliance Landscape H.R. 1 raises the stakes for state SNAP programs. With rising administrative costs and penalties tied to payment errors, this checklist helps agencies pinpoint where automation and data strategies can reduce risk, support new rules, and control costs. DOWNLOAD

Boost Transparency With Efficient FOIA Workflows Identify workflow gaps and strengthen your records processes with a quick assessment. Read More

First to FedRAMP: Government-Trusted Legal Solutions Industry-leading CLEAR, Westlaw, and Practical Law achieve FedRAMP In-Process for federal agencies. Learn More

Government Leaders Boost Transparency and Trust Learn how public-sector agencies strengthen community confidence through improved transparency and accountability. READ NOW

Elevating Constituent Services with Connected Experiences This thought leadership paper explains what your agency needs to create connected experiences and provides several real-world examples of how connected experiences have transformed government services. Read more to find out how your organization can start building connected experiences! DOWNLOAD

The Hidden Weak Point in Public Sector Networks Perimeter defenses aren’t failing, they’re just not enough. This guide explores how attackers exploit credential-based access to move laterally across government networks, and why control-plane security is key to closing the gap.  DOWNLOAD

Future Forward Government A space created for state and local IT leaders and decision-makers who are charting the course of tomorrow's public sector. EXPLORE

How AI-Powered Agents Streamline State and Local Service Delivery Explore how AI agents can help state and local governments handle routine tasks, streamline operations, and give staff more time for complex issues. DOWNLOAD

How Better Government Gets Built: Lessons from the Field From siloed systems to shifting budgets, the road to modern government is full of obstacles. This guide breaks down what agencies need to plan and execute meaningful change. Learn how public sector leaders are navigating funding, digital services, and stakeholder buy-in to build resilient, responsive, and equitable government operations. DOWNLOAD

Visibility and Resilience: Embracing Autonomous Technologies in Government State and local governments are operating in a cybersecurity environment where expanding attack surfaces, AI-driven threats, and limited staffing make traditional endpoint tools increasingly inadequate. Agencies need real-time visibility, faster response, and modern automation to safeguard critical services. This guide offers IT and security leaders a clear, practical roadmap for advancing autonomous endpoint management and strengthening operational resilience. DOWNLOAD

Print is the Weak Link in Government IT Modernization Many agencies are embracing modernization, yet outdated print systems remain a significant but often overlooked risk. This paper examines how legacy print environments undermine Zero-Trust security models, inflate IT costs, and slow operations. Learn how modern, cloud-based print solutions help governments enhance security, streamline workflows, and achieve measurable efficiency gains across distributed teams. DOWNLOAD

How Artificial Intelligence Transforms the Constituent Experience in Government This paper explores how AI is transforming constituent services in state and local government by streamlining operations, improving accessibility, and enhancing public trust. Through real-world examples, it offers practical guidance for implementing scalable, people-centered AI solutions that deliver measurable impact. DOWNLOAD



Editor in Chief Harvey Randall served as Director of Personnel, SUNY Central Administration, Director of Research , Governor's Office of Employee Relations and Principal Attorney, Counsel's Office, New York State Department of Civil Service. Consistent with the Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations, the material posted to this blog is presented with the understanding that neither the publisher nor NYPPL and, or, its staff and contributors are providing legal advice to the reader and in the event legal or other expert assistance is needed, the reader is urged to seek such advice from a knowledgeable professional.

CAUTION

Subsequent court and administrative rulings, or changes to laws, rules and regulations may have modified or clarified or vacated or reversed the information and, or, decisions summarized in NYPPL. For example, New York State Department of Civil Service's Advisory Memorandum 24-08 reflects changes required as the result of certain amendments to §72 of the New York State Civil Service Law to take effect January 1, 2025 [See Chapter 306 of the Laws of 2024]. Advisory Memorandum 24-08 in PDF format is posted on the Internet at https://www.cs.ny.gov/ssd/pdf/AM24-08Combined.pdf. Accordingly, the information and case summaries should be Shepardized® or otherwise checked to make certain that the most recent information is being considered by the reader.
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