Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Prohibits gas and electric corporations from recovering labor-related legal costs or workers' compensation loss adjustment expenses from ratepayers through rates, charges, surcharges, adjustment mechanisms, riders, or reconciliation mechanisms; defines labor-related legal activity.

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

Relates to the prohibition of lending institutions issuing mail-loan checks except in response to an affirmative request or application therefor; provides that any debt, interest, fee or other obligation arising from a mail-loan check issued in violation of this section shall be null and void and unenforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Civil Air Patrol members to take paid leave from their employers during emergencies or when assigned by the U.S. Air Force. It directly affects CAP members who need to respond to declared emergencies or Air Force missions. Key provisions require employers to grant leave upon written notice from a unit commander, but they may deny it if the absence would cause undue hardship to their business. Employees must later provide documentation confirming their emergency service to their employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum frequency for certain bingo games run by authorized groups. It doubles the annual limit from 30 to 60 games and raises weekly limits from one to two days, directly affecting residential complexes (like apartment buildings) and non-profits (such as community clubs or religious groups). The bill maintains existing rules: prizes cannot exceed $10 per game or $150 daily, games must be for recreation only with no entry fees, and organizers cannot be paid. These changes apply to groups already permitted to host bingo under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3223) would allow eligible veterans to fish for free in all state parks managed by state agencies. It specifically covers veterans who served on active duty with an honorable discharge, including those with qualifying conditions or specific LGBT veteran status as defined in existing law. The state office responsible for parks would need to create rules to implement this free access, with the policy taking effect 90 days after enactment. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands approved driver education providers in New York to include licensed driving schools (after commissioner approval), alongside high schools and colleges. It requires classroom instruction to be taught by instructors approved by both the state education department and motor vehicle commissioner. School districts may now contract with licensed driving schools for behind-the-wheel training, and students in these courses may operate vehicles under supervision without a license during instruction. The bill specifically allows two religious schools to offer driver education in certain locations during non-school hours, but its primary focus is adding driving schools to the approved provider list.

Requires bicycles advertised for sale or resale in New York state to have an identifying serial number in legible boldfaced figures in one of certain specified areas on the bicycle; requires advertisements for bicycles to clearly and conspicuously include a photograph of such bicycles; exempts online marketplaces from placing identifying serial numbers on bicycles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large group health insurance plans in New York to cover acupuncture services when prescribed by qualified healthcare providers (as defined under Education Law §8211). It applies to plans covering physician office services or comprehensive medical coverage, mandating coverage for acupuncture treatments but allowing reasonable cost-sharing like deductibles or co-pays. The law does not require full coverage without cost-sharing, only that plans include acupuncture as a covered service under specified conditions. It affects insurers offering large group plans and patients relying on such coverage for acupuncture treatments. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed policies.

Provides for adult changing tables to be placed within an enclosed restroom facility or other similar private facility that is for use by persons with disabilities who need help with diapering at commercial places of public amusement and state-owned buildings open to the public.