Asm. Phil Steck

Maddy summaryThis bill designates *Lactarius peckii* (a type of mushroom) as the official state fungus. It adds a new law section stating that *Lactarius peckii* shall be the official state fungus, effective immediately. The bill does not alter policies, taxes, or regulations; it is a symbolic designation for state identity. No specific groups or individuals are directly affected by this procedural change.

Establishes a mandated window of five business days for both Medicaid and private insurers to respond to pre-authorization claims for testing and/or treatments made by physicians on behalf of oncology patients.

Increases the handling fee paid by a deposit initiator to a dealer or operator of a redemption center from three and one half cents to five cents per container; decreases the amount of quarterly payments a deposit initiator must pay the commissioner of taxation and finance from eighty to forty-seven percent of the balance of initiator's refund value account; provides for registration as a redemption center.

Maddy summaryBill A 4015 seeks to increase the financial penalties for certain speeding violations, directly affecting drivers convicted of these offenses. It raises the maximum fine for exceeding the speed limit by up to ten miles per hour, from $150 to $175. For drivers caught speeding more than thirty miles per hour over the limit, the maximum fine increases from $600 to $700. These revised penalties will apply to violations occurring on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits candidates and political committees from using campaign funds for personal expenses unrelated to elections or public office. It specifically bans spending on household costs (like mortgage or utilities), personal clothing, tuition, family salaries, entertainment, and country club dues unless directly tied to campaign activities or official duties. The law defines "personal use" as expenses benefiting the candidate personally or covering normal living costs that would exist regardless of the campaign. Exceptions allow campaign funds to cover legitimate office-related costs or expenses not reimbursed by the government. The bill clarifies these rules to prevent misuse of donated money while maintaining flexibility for campaign necessities.

Relates to the recall of a class B firefighting foam; prohibits the sale or distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS.

Requires a call-blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procurement of a voice service; provides that a voice service provider shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for failure of a call-blocking service to block a call, or mistakenly blocking a call that should not have been blocked.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2011 law that imposed a spending cap on the state's Medicaid program, specifically removing Sections 91 and 92 of Chapter 59. It directly affects how the state Department of Health manages Medicaid funding by eliminating the annual growth limit on state funds for Medicaid. The key mechanism is the complete removal of these specific legal provisions, allowing Medicaid spending to increase without the previous restriction. This change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires the commissioner of health to promulgate regulations requiring that the addition of, decertification of, or changes in the method of delivery of perinatal services by a general hospital be subject to an application under article 28 of the public health law that requires review and approval by the council.

Establishes the Hudson Valley power authority to own and operate electricity service and to create or acquire one or more wholly owned subsidiaries or membership interests in subsidiaries; establishes energy observatory corporations for studying and enabling effective community governance of power authorities; makes related provisions.