Asm. Billy Jones

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a New York license. It allows dentists licensed outside the U.S. (who can't qualify for licensure by endorsement) to receive a limited permit to practice under supervision in federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations, provided they have at least five years of dental experience. After completing five years of practice under this limited permit, they may apply for full licensure. The permit is valid for one year (renewable annually during a residency or preceptorship) and requires passing a competency exam. This directly affects international dentists seeking to practice in New York, particularly in areas with dental health shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York State sets payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes). It requires the state to adjust rates using specific components - direct/indirect price changes, facility-specific costs - and mandates updates by April 1, 2026, and every five years after. Special rate provisions apply to facilities providing specialized care (e.g., for brain injury rehab, AIDS units, or pediatric services), with inflation adjustments starting in 2026. The bill also creates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting and includes funding mechanisms to support facility quality improvements.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Directs the commissioner of education to change the name of the state high school equivalency diploma, formerly known as the general education development (GED) program, to the Excelsior diploma.

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at state-owned parking facilities with 50+ spaces. Facilities with 50-200 spaces must provide charging for at least 10% of spaces (or equivalent electrical capacity), while larger facilities (over 200 spaces) must provide for 20%. All stations must meet minimum electrical specs (40 amps, 208 volts) and comply with local electrical codes. The Office of General Services will handle installation, maintenance, and necessary electrical upgrades, with contracted work requiring prevailing wages. The law takes effect April 1st after enactment.

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.

Establishes a career and technical education (CTE) diploma; establishes a CTE pathway to a diploma shall be based on a curriculum designed to provide students with technical skills and shall demonstrate that the student is ready for a career as determined by regulations of the commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules for when construction projects must pay local prevailing wages. It applies to projects using at least 20% public funds (or $3 million/$5 million in public funds) for construction costs. Exemptions include single-family homes, small nonprofits, and certain affordable housing developments meeting specific affordability requirements. This affects contractors and developers working on qualifying projects funded in part by public money.