Asm. Scott Bendett

Requires nonpublic and private elementary and secondary schools to require their prospective employees to submit fingerprints through the commissioner of education for the purpose of criminal background checks; authorizes conditional appointment of employees by such schools pending determination of the criminal background check.

Creates a Down syndrome awareness program to provide up-to-date and evidence-based information on Down syndrome to health care providers who order tests for a pregnant woman or infants to screen for Down syndrome.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies that cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. The law applies to standard medical insurance plans, medical expense indemnity corporations, and hospital service corporations. While the coverage is mandatory, insurers may still apply annual deductibles and coinsurance fees that are consistent with other benefits in the policy. The changes take effect on January 1st of the year following the bill's enactment.

Establishes "The Bart Law"; requires a hyperbaric oxygen therapy pilot program to treat veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maimonides Educational Center in Nassau County to apply for a real property tax exemption for its building located in Merrick. It authorizes the county assessor to accept this application late for the 2020-2021 tax period, treating it as if it had been submitted on time. If the application is approved by the county legislature, the organization may receive a refund of any taxes already paid and have related penalties or liens removed. The law takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Columbia County to impose a 4% tax on overnight stays at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and tourist homes. The tax applies to the per diem rental rate for each room but excludes permanent residents who stay for at least thirty consecutive days. If a city within the county also imposes a similar tax, the county's rate must be reduced accordingly, and cities must provide six months' notice before their tax takes effect. The county treasurer or designated fiscal officers will collect the tax, which can be paid directly to property owners who are then responsible for remitting the funds to the county. Revenues generated from this tax are intended for the county, and the law includes specific procedures for filing returns, calculating amounts, and appealing assessments.

Authorizes treatment of workers' compensation injuries by an occupational therapy assistant and a physical therapy assistant; directs certain records to be retained.

Provides for availability of ambulance services and advanced life support first response service to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, by expanding current provisions for air transport to apply additionally to motor vehicle based ambulance services.

Requires law enforcement and courts to notify the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) when an arrested person or defendant is not a United States citizen; adjusts certain maximum sentences for class A misdemeanors and unclassified misdemeanors; requires notification to be made to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency prior to the release of certain noncitizens; repeals provisions of the "protect our courts act".