Asm. Al Stirpe

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland by clarifying who can sue, what damages are recoverable, and how any awarded money is distributed. It expands the list of eligible claimants to include domestic partners and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased, while also extending the time limit for filing claims related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation specifies that compensation may cover funeral costs, medical expenses, grief, and financial losses such as lost support or inheritance, with the court determining how these funds are split among the eligible survivors based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for appointing administrators to pursue these claims when existing estate executors refuse to do so and details how legal fees and other costs are handled if the lawsuit is unsuccessful.

Relates to providing information to patients and the public on hospital rule-based exclusions; requires the commissioner of health to collect from each hospital a list of its hospital rule-based exclusions and publish such information on the department's website.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a regulated program to allow the medical use of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, for treating specific health conditions. It directly affects qualified patients diagnosed with issues like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders, as well as licensed healthcare providers and designated caregivers. Under the act, the state would establish rules for licensing producers, setting safety standards, and requiring that patients receive psilocybin in a controlled, supervised setting. The legislation also provides legal protection from criminal penalties for the possession and use of psilocybin when obtained through this new medical framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (including specific salts like methyl viologen) in New York State. It directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides, banning all such products starting January 1, 2027. The law explicitly defines "paraquat" using chemical identifiers (CAS numbers) to cover all related formulations. It aims to protect New Yorkers from health risks linked to paraquat exposure, such as Parkinson's disease, as noted in scientific studies cited in the bill's findings. The ban takes effect before the EPA completes its ongoing risk review of paraquat.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals specific tax provisions related to vessels (like boats) that were added to New York's tax law in 2015. It removes two subdivisions: one in section 1115 (affecting sales taxes on vessels) and another in section 1118 (affecting compensating use taxes on vessels). The repeal eliminates these specific tax rules, meaning vessel sellers and owners will no longer be subject to these particular tax requirements. The change takes effect on June 1, 2025.

Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor in the course of such licensed mental health counselor's professional employment, and to certain employees of such licensed mental health counselor; provides exceptions thereto.

Authorizes and directs the department of public service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy interconnection processes into the electrical grid to meet the state's renewable energy goals; directs the department of public service to submit a report on its findings one year after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3536) requires GPS navigation systems sold or used in New York State to display the legal clearance height of bridges and overpasses along proposed routes. It directly affects navigation system manufacturers and sellers by mandating they provide this specific clearance data - defined as the height marked on highway signs under existing traffic law - when generating routes. The key provision states systems must include this information unless they provide clear user instructions about vehicle height restrictions and the driver’s responsibility to comply. This aims to prevent accidents involving low-clearance structures by ensuring navigation tools reflect official highway signage. The bill does not alter traffic laws but requires navigation technology to align with current clearance signage standards.

Requires covered entities report to the department of health regarding certain 340B drug discounts and what percentage of patients benefit from such discounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires money transmitters (like banks, Western Union, or digital payment services) to provide a clear fraud warning to consumers before they send money to another person, business, or entity. Transmitters must also offer annual fraud prevention training to staff, monitor agent activity for suspicious transfers, and set up a toll-free fraud reporting number. The warning does not apply to electronic transfers where funds aren’t sent directly to a person or aren’t immediately usable. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $250 for the first offense and $500 for each repeat violation.