Asm. Donna Lupardo

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's social services office to implement an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system by June 21, 2027, replacing paper checks for programs like food assistance and cash benefits. It mandates using standard commercial electronic payment technology, including chip-based cards, to deliver benefits securely and efficiently. The policy directly affects state recipients of social services and the agency managing benefit distribution, shifting from physical vouchers to digital transfers. The law also requires the office to upgrade the system as soon as possible after the deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires professional sports teams in New York to grant cheerleaders the same labor rights, benefits, and protections as other employees under state law. It directly affects cheerleaders who perform at professional sports games for teams based in the state, defining them as individuals doing acrobatics, dance, or similar promotional performances. The key provision mandates teams to provide these protections for all services related to the team, including performances during games. The bill does not create new benefits but extends existing labor law coverage to this specific workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies and contractors to recycle or reuse 25% of construction and demolition waste on public works sites for projects starting within one year of the law's effective date, and 50% for projects starting one year later. After project completion, contractors and state agencies must submit documented proof - including notarized affidavits from waste haulers or recyclers - to the state comptroller within 30 days to verify compliance. The law applies to state departments, universities (excluding community colleges), and specific state authorities managing public construction and demolition projects. It focuses on reducing landfill waste through mandatory recycling targets and clear reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that applicants must pass an exam to become a licensed master social worker in New York. It directly affects individuals seeking this specific license by removing the examination step from the qualification process. The key provision eliminates Section 7704(d) of the Education Law, which previously mandated the exam. As a result, applicants will no longer need to pass a test to qualify for the license, simplifying the licensing pathway. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Authorizes physicians and pharmacists to enter into collaborative practice medication adherence protocols for their patients; makes permanent certain provisions relating to authorizing pharmacists to perform with physicians in certain settings.

Establishes a tax credit for electric vehicle charging stations task force to recommend a program for a tax credit for commercial property owners who install electric vehicle charging stations on such property.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows qualifying small cannabis farmers who legally cultivated cannabis in 2022 or 2023 to double their growing area (canopy), up to their current tier's maximum limit. It directly affects distressed cultivators with valid licenses who met the 2022-2023 cultivation requirements, requiring them to submit proof of past cultivation to the cannabis office without additional fees. The expansion must comply with existing environmental, security, and testing rules, and the program expires December 31, 2028. This is a temporary policy change to support small-scale growers facing financial hardship.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's wildlife hunting regulations to allow crossbow use for certain hunting activities. It removes a previous prohibition banning 12-13 year olds from hunting with crossbows (repealing section 11-0929's specific language) and adds technical specifications for crossbows, including minimum 14-inch arrows, 100-pound draw weight, and safety requirements. The bill affects hunters, particularly youth hunters and crossbow users, by expanding hunting methods for deer and bear during designated seasons. It repeals outdated provisions while establishing new rules for crossbow use under the environmental conservation law.

Creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program which complies with federal standards and regulations for the purpose of generating substantial savings for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's health commissioner to update medical assistance payment rates for hospitals and health services at least every four years, ensuring rates reflect current operational costs rather than outdated data. It directly affects hospitals, health service providers, and Medicaid programs by mandating that reimbursement rates align with recent cost information for efficient operations. Key provisions include prohibiting the use of base-year calculations older than four years and requiring annual public disclosure of reimbursement methodologies on the state health department's website. The changes aim to modernize payment structures for Medicaid and related programs without altering eligibility or benefit levels.