Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the two-year maximum sentence for aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony offense under current law. It amends New York's agriculture and markets law to eliminate the cap on imprisonment for this specific crime, meaning judges can now impose longer sentences. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals by changing the sentencing guidelines. The legislation, nicknamed "Tucker's law," takes effect 180 days after enactment.

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.

Authorizes the commissioner of mental health to establish up to three, three-year pilot programs in community behavioral health organizations for the purposes of creating social worker pilot programs to support the ongoing retention and recruitment of licensed clinical social workers.

Authorizes housing authorities to operate bingo games; adds guests invited by residents of any apartment, condominium or cooperative complex, housing authority, retirement community, or other group residential complex or facility to the scope of application; allows games to be conducted two days per week; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide peer support for healthcare workers' mental health. It creates a grant program through the Office of Mental Health, allowing eligible organizations (like hospitals or community groups) to apply for up to $250,000 each to develop peer-to-peer mental health support programs. The program requires training for peer volunteers in areas like stress and suicide prevention, while prohibiting the collection of personal health data from workers seeking support. The state appropriates $10 million to fund the program, which takes effect immediately. The bill directly affects healthcare workers by expanding access to confidential mental health support through their peers.

Authorizes a personal income tax deduction for expenses paid during the taxable year by a qualified taxpayer attributable to the cost of residential heating, including, but not limited to amounts paid for fuel oil, coal, wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, steam, kerosene and any other fuel used to heat such taxpayer's primary residence.

Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees whose salaries are qualified expenses from the definition of qualified film for the purposes of the empire state film production credit.

Maddy summaryBill A 5559 establishes a pilot program to credential direct support professionals (DSPs) who work with individuals receiving care in state-operated and not-for-profit facilities. The program aims to professionalize the DSP field by promoting career advancement, developing advanced skills, and enhancing workforce recruitment and retention. It includes a credentialing and education program, along with comprehensive training that may feature online modules and mentorships. An advisory council, comprising DSPs, providers, and self-advocates, will oversee the program's implementation. The Office is required to report on the pilot's effectiveness by November 2028, including recommendations for a potential statewide credentialing program.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the use of live restraint cable devices for capturing wildlife, primarily affecting trappers who target coyotes and other species permitted by the Department of Environmental Conservation. It requires these devices to include specific safety features: a swivel (allows animal rotation), relaxing lock (stops tightening when animal stops moving), deer stop (prevents closure beyond a size allowing deer to escape), and breakaway device (opens under force). Trappers must check devices every 24 hours and complete department-approved training on device use. The regulation expires February 16, 2028.

Relates to the distribution of fire insurance premium taxes; provides that a percentage of fire insurance premium taxes be paid to the treasurer of the NYS Professional Firefighters Association to promote, support and maintain the well-being of paid professional firefighters employed in the state.