Asm. Didi Barrett

Standardizes the language across the relevant court acts to allow tenants statewide to sue in the county where the real property at issue is located in matters relating to a tenancy or lease; requires the Office of Court Administration to develop necessary forms, procedures and deliver a report.

Authorizes all municipalities, with the consent of the county and the governing body of such municipality, to join a county self-funded or self-insured health plan; requires certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's First Home Savings Program, creating tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time home buyers. It directly affects New York residents who have never owned a primary residence (including those with mobile homes but excluding those who claimed home tax deductions), allowing them to save for purchasing a home in the state. Key provisions include tax incentives under state law, strict rules defining "first-time buyer" status, and requirements that funds be used only for qualified home purchases (houses, condos, or co-ops) within New York as a primary residence. Withdrawals for non-qualified purposes face penalties, while exceptions exist for death, emergencies, or military service. The program is managed by the state comptroller and requires accounts to be held at approved financial institutions.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Enacts the "ratepayer transparency act" which requires bills utilized by public and private gas corporations, electric corporations and gas and electric corporations in levying charges for service to include separate categories for certain charges.

Amends the definition of mental health care provider for purposes of sex offenses to include persons who are, or are required to be, licensed or registered or holds themselves out to be licensed or registered, or provides services as if they were licensed or registered as a physician, psychologist, professional nurse, clinical social worker, master social worker under the supervision of a physician, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Relates to providing information to patients and the public on hospital rule-based exclusions; requires the commissioner of health to collect from each hospital a list of its hospital rule-based exclusions and publish such information on the department's website.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or other substance to a degree which rendered the victim temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling such person's conduct and such condition was known or reasonably should have been known to a person in the actor's situation.