Asm. Paula Kay

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New York corporations already practicing engineering or land surveying before 1935 to add professional geology to their services. To do so, they must amend their corporate charters by December 31, 2028, to include geology as a purpose and have at least one licensed geologist serving as a director or officer. The bill requires these companies to comply with all existing geology practice laws and regulations. It specifically affects legacy engineering and surveying firms seeking to expand their professional services into geology.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of the term "milk product" to only food items containing actual milk (from animals like cows or goats), as defined in the law. It prohibits plant-based or non-dairy alternatives (such as almond or soy milk) from labeling their products with terms like "milk product" on packaging or ads. The law defines "milk products" to include common dairy items like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and butter, but excludes non-dairy substitutes. Manufacturers of non-dairy products must use alternative labeling terms to avoid misleading consumers about their ingredients.

Authorizes real property taxing jurisdictions to grant a partial tax exemption for property purchased by a clinician in a clinician shortage area, as determined by the commissioner of health, which will be such clinician's primary residence and they will practice in such shortage area; provides state aid to taxing jurisdictions which grant the exemption to the extent of the tax savings provided to clinicians.

Establishes the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program to provide funding to providers whose primary function is to facilitate access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services and information for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and provide support to providers to facilitate access to care, fund uncompensated care, and support community awareness of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services across New York state.

Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.

Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the regional labor force cost index used to calculate school funding for the Hudson Valley region. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the Hudson Valley index increases from 1.314 to 1.425 (up from the previous 1.314 for 2025-2026), while other regions' indices remain unchanged. This change directly affects how state education funding is distributed to school districts in the Hudson Valley, increasing their base funding allocation. The adjustment applies to all subsequent school years after 2026-2027, aligning with the state's formula for regional cost differences.

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.