Asm. John McDonald

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York insurance law to expand the types of lower-cost alternatives insurers can require patients to try before covering brand-name drugs. Specifically, it adds "interchangeable biologics" and "biosimilars" to the list of alternatives (alongside generic drugs) that insurers may mandate patients attempt first. It also allows insurers to move drugs to higher-cost coverage tiers only when adding these lower-cost alternatives to their formulary. These changes directly affect patients needing prescription drugs and insurers managing drug coverage tiers. The bill focuses on standardizing formulary rules for complex biologic medications without specifying cost outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3536) requires GPS navigation systems sold or used in New York State to display the legal clearance height of bridges and overpasses along proposed routes. It directly affects navigation system manufacturers and sellers by mandating they provide this specific clearance data - defined as the height marked on highway signs under existing traffic law - when generating routes. The key provision states systems must include this information unless they provide clear user instructions about vehicle height restrictions and the driver’s responsibility to comply. This aims to prevent accidents involving low-clearance structures by ensuring navigation tools reflect official highway signage. The bill does not alter traffic laws but requires navigation technology to align with current clearance signage standards.

Requires the consumer protection division to establish a process by which any state agency or third party, pursuant to an interagency agreement with the division for the purposes of fraud prevention, identity verification, and ensuring the integrity or security of individual identities, to grant access to verify New York resident identities via a secure comparison process against state systems.

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.

Maddy summaryBill A 7467 expands the legal definitions of "sewage" and "sewerage system" for specific water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities. It explicitly includes "stormwater" within these definitions, meaning these authorities will legally manage stormwater as part of their waste and collection systems. The bill also defines "stormwater" as unabsorbed flow from rain or meltwater on the ground or other surfaces. This aims to clarify the responsibilities of these authorities for the collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal of stormwater.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 3-9, 2026, as Legislative Staff Week in New York. The resolution honors the work of legislative staff who draft bills, manage public access, and maintain state operations. It does not change laws or affect budgets, but instead serves as a formal acknowledgment of staff contributions.

Requires the public service commission to post a written summary of the actions taken by the commission or department upon approval of a major change in rates to promote ratepayer affordability and minimizing residential energy burden.

Relates to the powers of the head of the office of mental health and the head of the office for people with developmental disabilities to promulgate rules regarding communications needs of non-English speakers seeking or receiving services; includes the provision of language services and documents in English and the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by individuals in New York State based on United States census data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Franchise Oversight Board to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature by December 31st each year. The report must detail the board's activities, analyze the financial performance of thoroughbred racing and wagering operations, verify compliance with franchise agreements and regulations, identify industry challenges, and provide specific legislative recommendations. It directly affects the oversight of New York's thoroughbred racing industry by mandating transparent, structured reporting. The bill does not change current laws but establishes a formal process for the board to evaluate and advise on industry policy.

Provides that only automated clearing houses or electronic funds transfers from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, wire transfers from an authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, personal checks delivered to the operator, a debit card issued by a financial institution that draws directly from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account only and not a prepaid debit card, or in-person cash deposits at a casino or other approved location, may be used to fund mobile sports wagering accounts.