Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Maddy summaryBill A 5554 changes where certain application fees are deposited within the state budget. It requires that fees paid for operating certificates, which are necessary for mental hygiene service providers, be directed into the mental illness anti-stigma fund. Previously, these fees were deposited into the state's general fund. This bill ensures that funds collected from these applications specifically support efforts to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Defines the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetist; requires collaboration with a licensed physician qualified to determine the need for anesthesia services; requires licensing; defines qualifications.

Prohibits broad indemnification by a design professional of a state or local agency or political subdivision involving public work for contracts except to the extent that damages were caused by or the proximate result of the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows vehicle owners to designate a beneficiary for their vehicle registration at their death, making the transfer automatic without court involvement. Owners would add a "transfer on death" provision to their title (using a new form created by the state), electing to bypass probate for the vehicle. It directly affects vehicle owners who want to simplify estate planning and their designated beneficiaries. The key mechanism is the optional beneficiary designation on the title, replacing the need for a separate legal process after the owner's death.

Permits mentoring programs to conduct background clearances of prospective employees and volunteers to determine whether any such person has been reported for child abuse or maltreatment or is on the sex offender registry.

Includes temporary child care employment agencies and child care educational and training institutions as providers authorized to conduct background clearances.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers of buses, taxis, and livery vehicles (like ride-share or limousine services) from using hands-free mobile phones while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects commercial drivers of these specific vehicle types. Key exceptions include using phones for emergencies (contacting 911, hospitals, or emergency services), for dispatch purposes, or when the vehicle is parked off the road in a permitted location. The law does not apply to emergency vehicle operators or police/fire personnel on duty.

Establishes the customized employment demonstration program whereby certain positions are divided into sub-positions by the civil service commission to provide for employment of persons with developmental disabilities who are able to perform a portion of the duties of such position.

Provides for payments for home and community based long term care services; provides that funds appropriated to compensate for minimum wage requirements, shall not be subject to managed care risk adjustment on insurers.

Relates to the right to unemployment benefits based on employment with certain educational institutions, including the state university of New York, the city university of New York and public community colleges; clarifies the meaning of certain terms relating to such rights to unemployment benefits.