Shelter Island road to be named in soldier's honor

ALBANY - A state road will be named for the late Lt. Joseph J. Theinert of Shelter Island, under a bill signed into law by Gov. David A. Paterson.

The Theinert law was among 83 announced Saturday by the governor, including ones to give consumers more information about rebates and to expand testing for HIV. Paterson also vetoed 23 bills, including ones that would provide more generous retirement benefits for government workers, which he said would add to New York's budget deficit.

On Shelter Island, a portion of Route 114 has been designated "Lt. Joseph J. Theinert Memorial Way." Theinert was killed on June 4 in Afghanistan while serving with the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

"This designation is a fitting tribute to a young man whose appreciation for Shelter Island and commitment to protecting the freedoms we cherish have touched an entire community," said State Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson), who sponsored the law with Assemb. Marc Alessi (D-Shoreham).

The rebate law requires stores to publicize whether rebates will be paid in cash or check, and if neither, whether charges are assessed on prepaid gift cards, store credits and other types of rebates.

The law's sponsors, Assemb. Audrey Pheffer and Sen. Jose Peralta, both Queens Democrats, said retailers are using rebates to lure shoppers and then not adequately disclosing the terms. "Consumers have a right to know if the $150 rebate on the washing machine they are purchasing, for example, will be remitted to them in . . . cash or check, or if they will receive a prepaid card, subject to additional fees, for future use" at the store, they said.

Paterson added the law would boost retail sales by reassuring shoppers they aren't being ripped off.

The governor also approved measures that experts predict will boost voluntary testing for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

One law allows patients to agree to HIV testing as part of a general consent for medical care that remains in effect until revoked or it expires. The law also requires all doctors and other health care providers to offer HIV testing to patients age 13 to 64.

"This legislation will increase HIV test rates, letting people learn their status and begin treatment at an earlier stage," Paterson said.

Another law removes barriers to drug addicts participating in needle exchange and syringe access programs.

Other new laws:

Allow inmates in state and local prisons to work, under guard, at charities.

Permit victims of hate crimes to seek civil damages against perpetrators.

Require clothing donation centers to post how donations will be used.

Increase to $500,000 raffle prizes offered in charity fundraising events.