Asm. Fred Thiele

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act, mandates that health insurance policies covering physician services must pay for comprehensive neuropsychological exams used to diagnose dyslexia. The legislation aims to address the high cost of these tests, which can exceed six thousand dollars and are often unaffordable for families without coverage. By requiring insurers to include these specific exams, the law ensures that individuals suspected of having dyslexia can access necessary diagnostic evaluations without facing financial barriers. The changes apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after the act's effective date of January 1st following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 26th of every year as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State. It achieves this by adding the new commemoration to the official list of state days of recognition found in the executive law. The change allows schools and other organizations to observe the day in honor of the abolitionist and women's rights activist.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new LGBTQ+ advisory board in New York State to provide guidance and recommendations to the governor and state agencies on issues affecting the community. The board would consist of twelve appointed members who identify as LGBTQ+, excluding current legislators and state employees, with terms staggered to ensure continuity. Its main duties include conducting research, developing policy proposals, and submitting an annual report on the needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ population. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the governor in November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers taking the pre-licensing course to operate a motor vehicle in New York to receive information on how to register as an organ and tissue donor. To implement this, the state commissioner must provide instructional handbooks containing donor registry details at every location where these courses are offered. Additionally, the bill mandates that instructors receive extra training to effectively teach various safety topics included in the curriculum. The changes will take effect approximately 270 days after the law is signed.

Establishes a campaign to promote public awareness of the importance of good oral health, including but not limited to, the impact of oral disease, causes of oral disease and its prevention, oral health across the lifespan, the total body connection, the value of early detection and the availability of oral health services in the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local municipalities to form regional planning councils that can apply for federal and state grants. Under the new rules, these councils are officially recognized as government agencies, which removes previous barriers to receiving funding. Local governments must pass a resolution to agree on the terms of their collaboration before the council can seek these funds. The changes take effect roughly nine months after the law is signed.

Establishes a comprehensive electric vehicle fast charging station implementation plan; requires the New York state energy and research development authority to further establish a "Fast Charge NY working group" to develop such plan; makes related provisions.

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions for manufacturers and wholesalers who sell at retail for on-premises consumption in the town of East Hampton, county of Suffolk.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that passengers aged 8 through 16 wear seat belts on charter buses, while passengers 16 and older must also be restrained by approved safety belts. It defines a charter bus as a vehicle transporting a group of people for a specific trip under a single contract and clarifies that violations by children under 16 will result in a summons issued to their parent or guardian rather than the child. The legislation also establishes an affirmative defense for parents if the bus was not equipped with seat belts that were visible, accessible, or in good working order, and it sets a civil fine of up to $50 for violating these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fines and potential jail time for drivers who illegally pass or overtake a stopped school bus. It directly affects motorists who violate traffic laws regarding school buses by raising penalties for first, second, and third or subsequent offenses within a three-year period. Under the new rules, a first violation could result in a fine between $250 and $400 or up to 30 days in jail, while a second violation within three years could lead to fines between $600 and $750 or up to 180 days in jail. A third or later violation within that same three-year window carries even steeper fines ranging from $750 to $1,500 or imprisonment for up to 180 days. The changes are set to take effect on the first day of November following the bill's passage.