Asm. Phil Steck

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1577) would amend the state constitution to require the governor to appear in person before the legislature for two hours of oral questions once annually. It directly affects the governor, mandating a structured annual session where legislators can question the governor directly. The key provision specifies this must occur in a joint session of the legislature, with the timing agreed upon by both chambers. The bill does not alter existing veto powers or budget processes, focusing solely on increasing direct legislative oversight of the governor's actions.

Prohibits the governor from granting themselves or any person involved with furthering the illegal conduct of the governor a reprieve, commutation or pardon.

Requires parity in the mental and physical health treatment of the residents of New York state; provides that both mental and physical health "will be matters of public concern and provision therefor shall be made by the state and by such of its subdivisions".

Relates to the qualification of voters; provides that a citizen who is seventeen years of age at the time of a primary election and who will be eighteen years of age at the time of the general election for which such primary election is held, shall be eligible to vote in such primary election.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program requiring New York state health programs to pay no more than the lowest price for certain prescription drugs in Canada. It sets maximum prices based on the most recent drug pricing lists from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, starting with the five most expensive drugs. State agencies and health plans must pay these Canadian-based rates for covered drugs, and any savings generated must be passed directly to consumers through reduced costs. The program applies only to state-funded health plans and agencies purchasing drugs for state programs, excluding Medicaid.

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New York corporations already practicing engineering or land surveying before 1935 to add professional geology to their services. To do so, they must amend their corporate charters by December 31, 2028, to include geology as a purpose and have at least one licensed geologist serving as a director or officer. The bill requires these companies to comply with all existing geology practice laws and regulations. It specifically affects legacy engineering and surveying firms seeking to expand their professional services into geology.