Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the importance of raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder and promoting the inclusion of autistic individuals in society. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to align the state with national observances. The measure is a ceremonial action that acknowledges the challenges and strengths associated with autism while encouraging public understanding.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally acknowledges the 16th Annual Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida event scheduled for May 17, 2026, in Schenectady. The measure directs the legislative body to pause briefly to honor the event and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York.

Prevents an agency, department, division, commission, bureau or any other entity under the authority of the executive department from contracting, subcontracting or hiring any third party during a hiring freeze.

Enacts the "food safety and chemical disclosure act"; prohibits certain food additives and food color additives; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense; establishes requirements for the reporting of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires used car dealers in New York to check for safety recalls on vehicles before selling them. Dealers must make a good-faith effort to identify any outstanding manufacturer or NHTSA recalls and either fix the issues themselves or arrange for repairs to satisfy the recall. It applies directly to dealers selling used vehicles at retail, with violations subject to $5,000 penalties per offense. The law aims to ensure vehicles sold to consumers meet current safety standards before purchase.

Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.

Increases the number of entities to whom the New York state energy research and development authority must submit an annual report; requires the report to include a brief summary of all proceeds collected and administered by the authority pursuant to an order of the public service commission or pursuant to regulation, including, but not limited to, assessments, fees, taxes, transfers, corporate income or surcharges imposed on energy consumers or power generators.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new rules for New York's Medicaid inspector general when auditing healthcare providers' billing for medical assistance payments. It defines key terms like "overpayment" and "clerical error," requires auditors to follow specific standards, and limits how they can spread audit findings to all claims (extrapolation) for minor, isolated errors. Providers must receive detailed audit reports explaining findings and have the right to submit supporting documentation before final decisions. The bill also mandates annual reporting on audit activities to state officials, including how many audits used extrapolation and their financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits schools in the state from using timeout boxes, closets, or any secluded physical enclosures to isolate children. It defines these restricted areas as any room or structure where a child is separated from others, such as wooden or padded rooms. The law applies to a wide range of educational settings, including public schools, charter schools, private schools for students with disabilities, and various preschool programs. By banning these isolation practices, the legislation aims to prevent the use of secluded spaces for disciplinary purposes in educational environments.

Establishes procedures for the social admission of certain minors presenting to emergency departments for mental or behavioral health evaluation when a parent, legal guardian, or local social services district refuses to retrieve the minor upon discharge.