Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Relates to providing for multi-formatted services menus for the cognitively impaired on websites operated by certain state agencies; includes the department of health, office for people with developmental disabilities and the office of mental health.

Maddy summaryBill A 8584 establishes an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for a wide range of human services programs, effective April 1, 2025. This adjustment is designed to help programs account for inflation by indexing payment rates, contracts, or other reimbursements to the previous July's Consumer Price Index - Urban (CPI-U). It directly affects services funded by agencies such as the Office of Mental Health, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The bill specifies that this COLA will be the primary inflation-related increase applied, replacing other similar adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's bingo regulations to allow minors under 18 to participate in licensed bingo games **only when accompanied by an adult**. It directly affects minors and bingo operators, prohibiting minors from operating or assisting with bingo games (though those aged 16+ may perform non-gaming tasks like serving food). The key provision replaces a prior ban on minor participation with an adult-supervision requirement for play. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Relates to allowing prescriptions for controlled substances that are normally restricted to a thirty-day supply to be issued for greater than a thirty-day supply during a state of emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and operators of large cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of keeping towers running for at least 72 hours during power outages. The backup must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, but existing towers with backup power do not need immediate upgrades until their current system requires replacement. It specifically applies to large outdoor towers providing wide-area service, excluding small cell systems or rooftop installations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to advance lupus research and establishes a dedicated fund for this purpose. It directs the health department to award competitive grants to academic medical institutions conducting lupus research, focusing on areas like diagnostics, therapies, and health disparities. A new advisory council - including people with lupus, researchers, and healthcare experts - will guide funding priorities and monitor progress. The program aims to address gaps in lupus care, such as the lack of new treatments in nearly 40 years and higher disease impact on women of color, by supporting scientific research rather than direct patient services.

Relates to program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D; provides for analysis of health plans by the department of health to determine whether such health plans meet or exceed the Medicare part D standard; requires the department of health, in consultation with the department of financial services, to notify prescription drug insurers of the provisions of this act.

Establishes a right of first refusal in the state for federal public land to be transferred to private parties; prohibits the recording of any deeds for lands that have been transferred out of federal ownership to private ownership without giving the state the right of first refusal.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners aged 65 or older (or qualifying spouses/siblings where one is 65+) to freeze their real property taxes on primary residences, including single-family homes, farms, or condo/co-op units. The tax amount is frozen at the level when the annual application is submitted, with the freeze continuing each year if reapplication occurs. Surviving spouses remain eligible after a spouse's death (if at least 62), and medical absences waive occupancy requirements. Applications must be submitted yearly by the owner, with municipalities required to notify residents 60 days before renewal deadlines.

Relates to obligations with respect to contracts with business enterprises which employ individuals with disabilities; defines qualified business enterprise as any business concern which employs a workforce consisting of at least fifteen percent employees with disabilities and has been certified under this section; sets goal of five percent of state contracts going to qualified business enterprises; establishes an office of statewide advocate, certification process, and enforcement mechanism.