Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally commends the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce for hosting a Military Appreciation event on May 21, 2026. The measure recognizes the Chamber's efforts to highlight the contributions of local military units and installations in the Capital Region, including the New York Air and Army National Guard and the Watervliet Arsenal. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the organization's role in supporting military personnel and their communities. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Chamber, state military officials, and members of Congress representing the region.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

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.

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.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification program for employers to become "recovery ready workplaces" (RRWs), directly affecting employers across all industries and their employees with substance use disorders (SUDs). To earn certification, employers must implement specific measures including onsite naloxone availability, mandatory training for supervisors on SUDs and prevention, workplace stress reduction strategies, and comprehensive health coverage for SUD treatment equal to physical health care. The program requires collaboration with unions and recovery organizations, along with policies ensuring confidentiality and reasonable accommodations for employees in recovery. Certification criteria also mandate connecting with local recovery resources and assessing workplace culture to support employees seeking treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Public Authorities Law to give priority to specific underutilized locations, such as brownfields, parking lots, and former industrial sites, when planning new renewable energy projects. It also formally defines "agrivoltaics" as a dual-use system where solar panels are installed alongside agricultural activities like crop farming or livestock grazing to maximize land efficiency. By establishing these definitions and site preferences, the legislation aims to streamline the development of solar energy while protecting existing farming operations and repurposing vacant urban spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.