Asm. Joe Angelino

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2177) removes the cost of emergency medical services (EMS) from the property tax levy limit that local governments (like cities and towns) must follow. It directly affects municipalities that fund EMS services, allowing them to cover these costs without triggering the tax cap. The key change adds a specific exemption in law, so EMS expenditures no longer count toward the maximum tax levy allowed under current rules. This provides local governments with more budget flexibility for essential emergency response services.

Enacts the "Lieutenant Joseph Banish mental health act" which establishes a law enforcement peer support program to provide confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling; defines terms; provides exceptions for when a peer support communication may be disclosed.

Authorizes the department of transportation to establish and implement a state memorial sign program to memorialize persons who died due to injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle crash on state highways.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Defines therapeutic agriculture for the purposes of community gardens as the use of agricultural activities as a means of promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being, rehabilitation and therapy for certain individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Dickinson to impose a 3% tax on hotel and motel room rentals within its boundaries. It allows property owners to collect the tax from guests (included in the room rate) and remit it to the town, with exemptions for government entities, non-profits, and guests staying 30+ consecutive days. Revenue from the tax must be deposited into Dickinson’s general fund for any lawful town use. The tax applies to standard hotel/motel stays but excludes certain organizations and long-term residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans (issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2020) to cover specific contraceptive services provided by pharmacists without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives (including over-the-counter options), emergency contraception, patient education, follow-up care, and up to a 12-month supply at once. Pharmacists dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives must receive reimbursement equivalent to other healthcare providers. The law directly affects insurance companies, pharmacists, and individuals seeking contraceptive care through insurance.

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.

Extends the mortgage recording tax for Chenango county; relates to the depositing of mortgage recording tax funds into the general fund of the county of Chenango.

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.