Asm. Kwani O'Pharrow

Provides that if, as a result of services performed in line of duty during a state of emergency, a volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker is exposed to or comes in contact with COVID-19, the chief engineer or other executive officer of the fire department or fire company or the captain or other executive officer of the ambulance department, volunteer ambulance company or ambulance district of which they are a member may authorize such volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker to obtain such examinations, tests, treatment and care as are immediately necessary to determine whether they are injured; further grants a presumption that exposure to COVID-19 caused partial or total disability or death.

Allows for unlicensed individuals to collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens and to perform certain nursing tasks during a state disaster emergency.

Provides that if a school building is designated as a polling place, the board or body which controls such building shall provide a space that is not easily accessible to areas of the building where instructional activities are taking place, and if such a space cannot be provided that meets such criteria, the board or agency which controls such building shall cancel in-person instructional activities during the operating hours of such poll site.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds coverage for remotely connected insulin pens under New York's medical assistance pharmacy benefit. It covers eligible patients with diabetes aged seven or older (with adult supervision for younger patients) using these devices with prescribed insulin cartridges. The cost of this coverage, including administration, must be included in managed care organization premiums. This ensures patients can access these devices without additional out-of-pocket costs through their existing pharmacy benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York schools to accept credits earned in educational programs at facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) as transferable credits. It directly affects students participating in OCFS-run educational programs, such as those in child welfare or foster care settings, by ensuring their coursework is recognized by public and private schools. The law mandates that schools must accept these credits without applying additional restrictions, overriding any existing policies that might prevent such acceptance. This policy change applies statewide and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state income tax credit available to active volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. Starting January 1, 2027, the credit for eligible resident taxpayers will increase from $200 to $1,200 per year. To qualify, individuals must have served actively for the entire taxable year. For two qualifying spouses filing a joint return, the credit amount will be $2,400, and any excess credit over the tax owed will be refunded.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York real estate brokers to complete one hour of VA Home Loan training as part of their mandatory 22.5 hours of continuing education for license renewals. It directly affects licensed real estate brokers in New York who renew their licenses after November 1, 1995 (likely a typo; intended for current renewal cycles). The key provision adds VA Home Loan instruction - defined as loans under federal law (38 U.S.C. § 3710) - to existing training requirements, alongside other topics like fair housing and ethics. Brokers must document this training via an affidavit to the State Department. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-5086) extends the existing requirement for a monitor to oversee the Wyandanch Union Free School District in New York. It updates the expiration date of the monitoring provision from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The bill directly affects the Wyandanch school district by maintaining the current oversight structure for an additional five years. The key change is solely the extension of the monitor's appointment period, with no new duties or policies added.