Asm. Anna Kelles

Maddy summaryBill A 3026 redirects fines and penalties from environmental conservation law violations (such as those under titles 19, 21, and 27 of the environmental conservation law) into a dedicated "conservation enforcement account" within the state conservation fund. It affects environmental law enforcement officers and the Department of Environmental Conservation by requiring all such fines to fund enforcement activities like staffing, scientific work, and legal support. The bill mandates that these funds must supplement - rather than replace - existing enforcement budgets and requires annual expenditure reports to legislative leaders. Courts collecting fines must remit payments directly to this account, streamlining how penalty revenue supports environmental protection efforts.

Provides for accessing records under the freedom of information law including notification procedures and the release of names of natural persons and residential addresses.

Requires the planning board or other administrative body of a town, village or city authorized to designate, review and approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove site plans to develop a standardized form containing all requirements for such site plan review applications; makes related provisions.

Limits the identification of individuals who provide face-to-face care to or direct observation of a patient to their employee identification number, first name and first initial of last name when full name identification may place the personal safety of such individual in jeopardy; requires complainants to only submit their employer's address in cases involving an alleged offense against a hospital worker.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state correctional facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services, including calls made to and from their families or legal representatives. The legislation mandates that these services cannot be replaced by in-person visit programs and prohibits facilities from generating revenue from communication services. It also ensures that existing contracts for communication services must end by March 31, 2026, while new contracts are subject to the free service requirement starting April 1, 2026.

Relates to motor vehicle insurance fairness; provides that insurance rates shall not be increased based on certain factors; sets forth processes for motor vehicle insurers to have rate increases approved; allows public access in relation to any proposed insurance rate increases; allows members of the public to request permission to intervene in proceedings related to rate increases; directs rules and regulations to be established.

Maddy summaryBill A 8287 requires all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to conduct triennial testing for lead in potable water systems in their buildings. If lead contamination exceeds a specified action level, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan." This plan mandates the installation of filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets in areas like kitchens, while rendering other unfiltered water outlets for human consumption inoperable. Schools must also provide safe, free drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data and management plans publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new washing machines sold in the state after January 1, 2030, to include a microfiber filtration system that captures at least 90% of tiny fibers (100 micrometers or larger) released during washing. It directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by mandating these systems, requiring clear consumer labels explaining the filtration, and demanding manufacturer compliance certificates. Retailers can still sell existing inventory (acquired by December 31, 2029) without the filtration system. The law aims to reduce microfiber pollution from laundry, with penalties up to $1,000 for violations.

Enacts the "New York state teleworking expansion act"; provides that each state agency shall establish a policy and program to allow employees to perform all or a portion of their duties through teleworking to the maximum extent possible without diminished employee performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7013) requires New York State to implement a standardized episodic payment system for certified home health agencies by October 1, 2025, affecting all Medicaid managed care plans, child health insurance plans, and Essential Plans operating in the state. It mandates that the state commissioner notify these plans that episodic payments are the standard method for covering home health services, emphasizing their role in improving patient care and reducing avoidable hospital costs. The bill allows managed care plans and home health agencies to agree on alternative payment rates, including value-based options tied to health outcomes. This change directly modifies how home health services are funded and accessed within New York's Medicaid and insurance systems.