Asm. Tommy John Schiavoni

Maddy summaryBill A 8518 requires insurance companies to provide outpatient coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of problem gambling services. This directly affects individuals with medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive insurance coverage, as well as their insurance providers. The bill amends existing insurance law to explicitly include problem gambling services within covered substance use disorder treatments. It also mandates that financial requirements and treatment limitations for problem gambling services cannot be more restrictive than those applied to substantially all other medical and surgical benefits covered by the policy.

Permits assessment of certain fees and costs upon wrongful denial of access to records under the freedom of information law when either the person has substantially prevailed, or if the agency failed to respond within the statutory time.

Provides that whenever the public service commission denies a request by a utility for a major change in rates or charges, the schedule, rate, charge, form of contract or agreement, rule, regulation, general privilege, facility, or service immediately in effect prior to such request shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the commission approves a new rate, charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes the 90th YMCA Youth and Government State Conference scheduled to take place in Albany from March 20-22, 2026. The resolution honors the program's history, which began in New York in 1936, and acknowledges the participation of middle and high school students who engage in model government assemblies to learn about civic processes and policy issues. It formally pauses legislative proceedings to celebrate the event and directs a copy of the resolution to the YMCA's youth development director. The measure serves as an official acknowledgment of the conference's role in fostering student leadership and community involvement rather than creating new policies or funding.

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $65,000 in 2027 and thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of art education for students and aligns with the national observance of Youth Art Month. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to highlight the value of art programs in schools. The measure is transmitted to the Governor and the New York State Art Teachers Association for their records.

Increases the amount of years of military service credit a member may purchase from three years to four years; provides that the provisions of such act shall not be subject to the requirement that the state shall make an equal payment to the retirement system.

Relates to excepting situations where a physician or other licensed health care provider is authorized to dispense certain medications and is practicing medicine in the oncology setting and is dispensing oncology drugs or drugs related to an approved course of treatment used to manage symptoms related to cancer or cancer therapies.

Establishes a program enabling counties to opt-in to allow county jails to operate jail-based competency restoration services for incarcerated individuals deemed unfit for trial due to mental incapacity.

Provides that any volunteer agency who is granted state aid by the office of addiction services and supports or pursuant to a contract with a local governmental unit shall receive the full amount of such state aid within sixty days from approval; provides that volunteer agencies shall have two years to spend such aid.