Asm. John McDonald

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New York State's Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, which provides medical assistance to adults with cystic fibrosis, until March 31, 2030. It amends existing law to change the program's expiration date from 2025 to 2030, ensuring continued funding and support for eligible patients. The key provision is simply extending the program's operational period without altering its core eligibility or benefit structure. This directly affects New York adults diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who rely on state assistance for medical care.

Directs the department of motor vehicles commissioner to offer, upon request, a "blue envelope" to a person who has autism spectrum disorder in order to facilitate clear and safe communication with law enforcement and provide ease of access to a driver's documentation.

Establishes the New York state preceptor stipend program to be administered by the office of the professions, under which qualified preceptor clinicians shall receive a $5,000 stipend; provides for such funds to be distributed from the office of the professions account.

Enacts the "sustainable building materials act"; enacts into law components of legislation relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in construction; provides a sales tax exemption for certain low-carbon building materials (Part A); establishes a grant program for manufacturers of concrete for environmental product declarations (Part B).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in New York to include lessons about gambling risks in health education classes for every grade level, from elementary through high school. It mandates that teachers certified in health education integrate age-appropriate instruction on gambling's dangers alongside existing lessons about alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse. Schools must teach these topics as part of required health courses, with students demonstrating knowledge through tests or projects. The law applies directly to all public K-12 schools and their health curricula, without creating new standalone classes.

Establishes an office of the state medical indemnity fund ombudsperson and a medical indemnity fund advisory panel to advocate for, assist and represent the interests of qualified plaintiffs.

Maddy summaryThis New York State bill allows for advance payments of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to qualifying low-income workers, replacing the current system where refunds are issued after annual tax filing. Eligible workers - including those aged 19 or older (down from 25) and without children - will receive four payments: three during the year (20% of the expected credit) and one adjusted payment after the tax year ends. The bill also increases the credit percentage for 2027 and later years (up to 40%), raises the income threshold for phaseout to $24,960 (from $11,610), and includes annual inflation adjustments. Payments will be delivered via direct deposit or electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and healthcare providers to share complete electronic medical records with insurance plans' utilization review agents. It mandates that records be shared electronically for individual care reviews and claim processing only, not for billing audits or historical analysis. Health plans must prioritize data security, follow privacy laws, and cannot request duplicate information already in the shared records. The law also restricts plans from routinely demanding full medical records or diagnosis codes during reviews, limiting requests to only necessary information. It directly affects hospitals, healthcare providers, and health insurance plans operating in New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to clarify when courts can issue orders of protection for harassment victims during criminal cases. It specifies that courts may issue temporary protection orders while a case is pending and must state reasons for issuing or denying final protection orders after sentencing. The bill sets new maximum durations for these orders based on offense type: up to 8 years for felony convictions (10 years for certain sexual assault cases), 5 years for class A misdemeanors (6 years for sexual assault), and 2 years for other offenses. These changes directly affect courts handling criminal cases, defendants convicted of harassment-related crimes, and victims seeking legal protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 31st of every year as "Overdose Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the existing list of official commemorative days in the executive law, alongside other observances like Juneteenth and Holocaust Remembrance Day. The bill does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it simply establishes an annual day of remembrance focused on overdose prevention and awareness. This designation directly affects New York State residents and government entities, which may choose to recognize the day through official proclamations or events. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.