Asm. John McDonald

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6, 2025, as Missing Persons Day in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness about the impact of missing persons cases, referencing Suzanne Lyall - a University at Albany student who has been missing since 1998 - and noting that thousands of people, including many adults, are reported missing in New York. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor affected families and communities. It follows existing state efforts like "Suzanne's Law" and campus safety legislation, focusing on recognition rather than regulatory change.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) congratulating Isabella Satalino, a wrestler from Columbia High School, for winning the NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship in the 138lbs weight class on February 27, 2025. It recognizes her undefeated 42-0 season and historic achievement as the first wrestler in her school's history to finish a season undefeated. The resolution formally expresses legislative support by directing copies to be sent to Satalino and her athletic director. It has no policy impact or financial obligation, serving solely as a symbolic honor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates Maya Kelly, Kaitlin Bogucki, Molly Simmons, and Ava Weiss for winning the NYSPHSAA 4x400 relay championship on March 8, 2025, with a school-record time. It recognizes their achievement as part of Columbia Track and Field's program, highlighting their teamwork and athletic excellence. The resolution formally praises the athletes and their coach, with copies to be sent to them. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves only to honor their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's insurance law to regulate "step therapy" protocols used by health insurers. It directly affects patients and insurers by limiting how insurers can require patients to try lower-cost drugs before covering a prescribed medication. Key provisions include capping required drug trials at two per condition, banning protocols for unapproved or unsupported drugs, requiring insurer acceptance of doctors' written proof of drug failure as valid evidence, and preventing redundant step therapy for patients who recently completed it under another plan. The changes take effect January 1, 2026.

Requires the provision of information regarding the home energy assistance program for participants in the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage program.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes when the law requiring physicians to submit profile information to the New York State Department of Health takes effect, extending the implementation timeline from 90 days to nine months after the law is signed. It is a procedural adjustment to the law's effective date and does not alter the content or requirements for physician information submission. The change affects the timing for when healthcare providers must comply with the existing profile information reporting rules. As a technical amendment to the law's effective date, it does not create new policy obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a council to make annual recommendations to health departments about services for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The council must consider service availability, emerging trends, differences in Medicaid waiver outcomes, and administrative efficiency when developing its recommendations. These recommendations must be posted annually on the department's website to increase transparency around TBI service planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a specific start date for services related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) under certain federal waivers. It requires that services for TBI waiver recipients cannot be provided through managed care programs until January 1, 2027. The law directly affects medical assistance recipients in New York who qualify for TBI services under federal waiver programs. This provision modifies existing social services law to establish a clear timeline for service implementation, ensuring these services are not delivered via managed care before the specified date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in New York State. It is a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about rare diseases, which impact approximately 1 in 10 New Yorkers and often lack effective treatments. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but aligns with ongoing state efforts to address rare disease challenges, including a 2020 advisory work group and proposed permanent advisory council.

Maddy summaryThis bill (K 102) is a ceremonial resolution requesting Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2025 as "American Heart Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but aims to raise public awareness about heart disease prevention and encourage community action. The resolution cites heart disease as a leading cause of death in New York and the U.S., highlighting statistics on mortality, cardiac arrest, and health disparities. It urges New Yorkers to learn CPR, use AEDs, and support heart health initiatives during the designated month.