Asm. Scott Bendett

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers to automatically approve preauthorization requests for specific medical services when healthcare professionals (like doctors or nurses) have received approval for at least 90% of similar requests in the past six months. It directly affects healthcare providers who work with participating insurers and ensures insurers must pay for covered services without delay or reduction once automatic approval is granted. Key provisions include annual reviews (by November 15th) to maintain approval status, a 30-day notice period before rescinding approvals, and a guarantee that insurers cannot deny payment for services covered under the automatic approval. The law aims to reduce administrative delays for providers while maintaining insurer oversight through retrospective reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the previous limit of 10 visits or 30 days for physical therapists to treat patients without a physician referral. It directly affects licensed physical therapists and their patients, allowing ongoing treatment without a referral as long as three requirements are met: therapists must refer patients if symptoms suggest other care is needed, communicate with the patient’s primary care provider during treatment, and provide written notice to patients about potential insurance coverage issues without a referral. The bill requires therapists to document patient notification with a signed form. These changes aim to streamline access to physical therapy while ensuring patient safety and insurance clarity.

Provides that any requirement that undocumented immigrants who are seeking asylum in the United States be sheltered in a certain locality or localities shall only apply to those towns, cities, and counties that opt-in to such requirement through the adoption of a local law or ordinance; defines the term "sheltered" as including, but not limited to, being temporarily or permanently placed into housing, dwelling, or living quarters by a state or local governmental entity.

Enacts Firefighter Joseph P. Spor Jr.'s Law; requires the commissioner of education to establish September eleventh awareness curriculum or instruction for school districts; requires the education department to make curriculum materials and other resources regarding September eleventh available on its website.

Requires the office of fire prevention and control to pay training stipends in specific amounts to volunteer firefighters for completion of certain firefighter trainings; provides that if a volunteer fire company pays training stipends to volunteer firefighters in an amount below what is otherwise required to be paid by OFPC, OFPC shall pay the remaining amount.

Increases the applicable percentage of the child tax credit allowed in the empire state child tax credit from thirty-three percent to forty-five percent; prescribes how such payment or refund should be made based on amount.

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights, provided that such blue light can only be displayed in combination with a red and/or white light.

Enacts "Peanut's law: humane animal protection act" to provide humane treatment, safeguard animal welfare and strengthen the rights of animal sanctuaries and responsible owners in retaining custody, implementing due process safeguards, and guaranteeing public safety while an appeal is pending; requires an administrative hearing before the seizure or euthanization of an animal under the care of a wildlife sanctuary, unless there is documented evidence that the animal presents an immediate threat to public safety; further provides that any animal seized by the department of environmental conservation for testing or public concerns is subject to a 72-hour waiting period prior to euthanization; makes related provisions.

Makes it a violation to loiter while masked or disguised by unusual or unnatural attire or facial alteration while in a group of six or more persons so masked or disguised.