Asm. Phil Steck

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York State's funding mechanism for home health care services to better meet community needs. It allocates annual state funds (based on population or minimum $200,000 per region) to certified home health agencies, targeting underserved areas, high-need populations, and staffing challenges. Key provisions require agencies to demonstrate service to vulnerable groups, support recruitment/retention for nurses and staff, and use funds for technology to improve care delivery. The bill directly affects home health agencies by providing new funding streams to expand access and address rising demand driven by an aging population and complex medical needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires campaign committees that receive public financing to maintain two separate bank accounts: one exclusively for public campaign funds and another for all other campaign contributions. It directly affects political committees using public financing, mandating that these funds cannot be commingled with private donations. The key provision, added to election law, specifies that retained public funds and other campaign funds must be deposited in distinct accounts subject to standard disclosure rules. This change aims to clarify financial management but does not alter campaign contribution limits or other substantive election rules.

Relates to unlawful dealing in real property, when a person uses material governmental information, which such person knows or has reason to know is non-public, to purchase or sell real property; makes such offense a class A misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits all law enforcement agencies from using chemical incapacitants (like tear gas or similar agents) except for pepper spray under strict limits. Specifically, pepper spray is restricted to liquid canisters no larger than 0.75 ounces and cannot be used for crowd control. The law defines "law enforcement agency" broadly to include any unit authorized to investigate or arrest for felonies, and "chemical incapacitant" to cover toxic chemicals, munitions designed to cause harm, and related equipment. This directly affects all state and local law enforcement agencies by restricting their use of chemical agents during operations.

Establishes the shovel-ready housing program under which certain municipalities, at their option, may pre-authorize parcels of property for the construction of housing; establishes a shovel-ready community tax rebate for taxpayers residing in municipalities that opt-in to the shovel-ready housing program; provides for annual apportionment to municipalities that have certified participation in the shovel-ready housing program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires election commissioners and key staff at county election boards to complete mandatory training. New commissioners must finish a 30-hour initial course within six months of appointment, while all staff must complete a 3-hour annual refresher by June 1 each year. The state board of elections will develop the curriculum and provide training, including web-based options. Failure to complete training results in the state board notifying the county legislature, city council, and local party chair.

Adds the definition of consent to the terms of general use; defines it as a freely given, knowledgeable and informed agreement by a person with the capacity to reason.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear rules for Medicaid coverage of specialized medical equipment called "complex rehabilitation technology" (e.g., customized wheelchairs, adaptive seating) for individuals with severe disabilities like spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy. It defines "complex needs patients," sets strict requirements for suppliers (including accreditation, on-site evaluations, and repair services), and mandates Medicaid to create proper billing procedures. The bill ensures reimbursement rates account for the high costs of these devices and requires managed care organizations to follow these rules. Its goal is to guarantee reliable access to necessary equipment for qualifying patients.

Establishes the professional practice of community midwifery; defines as the management in the home, birth center, or community setting, of normal pregnancies, child birth, and postpartum care, including newborn evaluation, resuscitation and referral for infants; sets requirements for license and practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state employees in New York to provide written acknowledgment when changing job titles or responsibilities that affect their retirement membership eligibility or service credit accrual. Both the employee and employer must sign a statement confirming the change and its effective date, then submit it to the retirement board or comptroller within 30 days. It directly affects public employees whose roles transition between retirement-eligible and non-eligible positions, ensuring formal documentation of eligibility changes.