Asm. Bill Magnarelli

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.

Enacts the "freedom to read act"; requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.

Authorizes students attending the Syracuse Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics high school, who participated in a high school athletic competition for a school district other than the Syracuse city school district in 7th and/or 8th grade, to be eligible for senior high school athletic competitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utility companies and contractors to provide detailed electronic records identifying pole attachments, including equipment owners, contractors, work dates, and safety compliance details. It creates an online public complaint system for reporting unsafe attachments, equipment hazards, or violations of safety standards like the National Electrical Safety Code. The commission must investigate complaints within two weeks and can issue fines up to $20,000 for first violations, $50,000 for second violations, or stop-work orders for third violations. The law directly affects utility providers, telecom companies, and contractors working on utility poles, aiming to improve public safety and accountability through standardized reporting and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the village of Baldwinsville (in Onondaga County) to impose an occupancy tax of up to 5% on short-term lodging rentals, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and similar facilities. The tax applies to the daily or longer rental rate for each room and would be collected by the village from lodging providers, who pass it to guests as part of their stay cost. Exemptions cover the state/federal government, non-profit organizations, and permanent residents staying 90+ consecutive days. All tax revenue would go into Baldwinsville's general fund for any lawful purpose.

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.

Revives provisions of law relating to authorizing the use of existing village sewer rents for infrastructure projects other than sewer projects in the village of Baldwinsville.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to declare September 15-21, 2025, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or change policies, but asks the Governor to formally recognize the issue of diaper need - where families struggle to afford sufficient diapers for infants and toddlers. The resolution highlights that diaper need affects one in two mothers, costs up to 6% of a minimum wage worker's salary, and can prevent children from accessing childcare. It focuses solely on raising public awareness, not on funding or policy changes, and references community organizations already distributing diapers to low-income families.

Authorizes the use of an electronic signature by a person granted a power of attorney by a taxpayer with respect to documents submitted to the New York state department of taxation and finance and the New York city department of finance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8264) ceremonially dedicates a specific segment of State Route 46 in Rome and Western, Oneida County, to honor Officer Michael E. Jensen. It requires the state transportation commissioner to install signage stating "Highway Dedicated to Officer Michael E Jensen" along this route, but explicitly states the official highway name will not change. The dedication is purely ceremonial, with no effect on official road designations or commerce. This is a procedural commemorative measure, not a policy change affecting residents or services.