Asm. Phil Steck

Maddy summaryBill A 8301 updates the laws regarding the appointment of guardians for individuals with developmental disabilities. It expands the scope of these guardianships to also include persons with traumatic brain injuries. The bill revises the criteria for appointing a guardian, requiring clear and convincing evidence and ensuring the guardianship is imposed in the least restrictive manner necessary. Additionally, it mandates that courts assess an individual's capacity to make health care decisions and clarifies the authority of guardians to make these decisions, including those involving life-sustaining treatment, for both individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's First Home Savings Program, creating tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time home buyers. It directly affects New York residents who have never owned a primary residence (including those with mobile homes but excluding those who claimed home tax deductions), allowing them to save for purchasing a home in the state. Key provisions include tax incentives under state law, strict rules defining "first-time buyer" status, and requirements that funds be used only for qualified home purchases (houses, condos, or co-ops) within New York as a primary residence. Withdrawals for non-qualified purposes face penalties, while exceptions exist for death, emergencies, or military service. The program is managed by the state comptroller and requires accounts to be held at approved financial institutions.

Provides that persons charged with a parking violation shall be able to make an electronic court appearance unless a locality elects not to permit electronic appearances.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Prohibits the retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services if an insured was covered for such services at the time treatment was initiated; requires insurers to notify a treatment provider when an insured has lost coverage based on termination of the insured's employment.

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons; establishes mandatory continuing education requirements.

Establishes an affordable independent senior housing assistance program which shall provide grants within amounts appropriated or otherwise available therefor to affordable independent senior housing properties to establish and operate resident assistance programs.

Relates to the application of New York state's human rights law to employees who work outside of the state of New York, if their employer maintains a physical address within New York state.

Establishes the "New York state lead-safe renovation, repair and painting act"; establishes standards for lead-safe renovation, repair and painting of residential properties; requires documentation of compliance with such standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "First Responder Peer Support Program Act" to create a statewide grant program for peer-to-peer mental health support services. It directly affects first responders - including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 operators, and correctional officers - by providing funding for local programs offering trauma-informed training and mental health resources. Key provisions include requiring standardized training on trauma, suicide prevention, and resilience; mandating strict confidentiality for participants; and prohibiting disclosure of personal information to employers. Grants are allocated to eligible local entities, with annual reports tracking program use without identifying individuals.