Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Relates to prevailing wage requirements applicable to brownfield remediation work performed under private contract as it relates to certain remediation activities, for sites that are seeking or have received a determination that the site is eligible for the tangible property credit component of the brownfield redevelopment tax credit, and the work is paid for in whole or in part by public funds.

Relates to welfare, medical, and retirement plans provided by a horsemen's organization in the absence of contractual obligations; provides in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall require such corporation or association to pay to the horsemen's organization an amount determined in accordance with the previously negotiated contract for welfare, medical, or retirement plans, including any associated costs, provided by the horsemen's organization to participants in racing at the licensed harness racing facility; provides the amounts shall be paid monthly from the horsemen's gross purse enhancement amount from video lottery gaming.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover backup cochlear implant devices for patients who need them, including during device upgrades or replacements after the initial implant. It directly affects patients with cochlear implants who currently lose access to backup equipment after 3-5 years, as insurers only cover backups at the time of initial surgery. The law mandates that insurance must cover the backup device (external components like a processor) whenever prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider, as long as the patient is using the implant. Coverage will follow standard insurance terms like deductibles and copays but must remain available throughout the patient's need for the device, effective January 2027.

Requires advertisements to disclose the use of a synthetic performer; imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for a first violation and a $5,000 penalty for any subsequent violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Schenectady to implement a 5-year demonstration program using photo enforcement cameras in school zones. It allows up to 20 school zones to have cameras operating during school hours and 30 minutes before/after school activities, with strict requirements for calibration, testing, and privacy protections. Vehicle owners, not drivers, would receive notices for speeding violations captured by the cameras, and images must be redacted to hide driver/passenger identities. The program expires December 31, 2030, and includes detailed rules for camera operation, data retention, and limited public access to violation evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating, promoting, or supporting online sweepstakes games in New York that simulate casino-style gaming (like slot machines or poker) and allow players to exchange points for cash. It directly affects game operators, licensed gaming entities, financial institutions, payment processors, and media affiliates that facilitate these activities. Key provisions require the state gaming commission or attorney general to deny licenses or enforce penalties, including fines of $10,000-$100,000 per violation, with fines funding problem gambling education. Enforcement includes investigations, cease-and-desist orders, and hearings by state authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state fund to reimburse property owners and septic system installers for "enhanced septic system projects" in New York. An enhanced system is defined as one that reduces nitrogen in wastewater to 19 mg/l or significantly lowers environmental/public health risks from pollutants like phosphorus or PFAS. Property owners can receive up to 75% of costs (capped at $25,000 per property) for these systems, compared to 50% (capped at $10,000) for standard systems. The program applies to projects with a county participation agreement signed on or after the bill's effective date.

Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.

Directs counties, in coordination with their regional emergency medical services councils, to develop and maintain comprehensive county emergency medical system plans that provide for coordinated emergency medical systems within such counties.

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.