Asm. Charles Lavine

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone (other than election officials) who sends mail intended to challenge a voter's eligibility to file specific documentation with the state board of elections within two business days. The required filing includes copies of the mail, recipient lists, and details about the sender (name, address, employer). Failure to file creates a legal presumption that the mail cannot be used to challenge the voter's qualifications. The law directly affects organizations or individuals sending such challenge-related mail, aiming to prevent misuse of voter challenge processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide program to expand access to qualified, nonprofit guardianship services for New Yorkers who cannot manage their own affairs due to age, disability, or incapacity. It directs the state to fund existing qualified nonprofit organizations to serve as guardians when no family or other guardian can be found, operate a public helpline for guardianship guidance, and build new program capacity. Key mechanisms include state grants for nonprofits meeting specific criteria, mandatory data collection on cases, and annual reporting to state leaders on program effectiveness. The initiative aims to replace unscrupulous for-profit guardians, reduce reliance on social services, and ensure comprehensive care at no cost to vulnerable individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

Relates to extreme risk protection orders; defines "exception"; authorizes a police officer or district attorney to file an application for an extreme risk protection order if found that a person meets the requirements of an exception pursuant to section 6340 of the civil practice law and rules; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large group health insurance plans to cover the cost of hearing aids when medically necessary, directly affecting insured individuals with hearing loss. Insurers must cover hearing aids dispensed by registered audiologists or hearing aid dispensers after a medical evaluation, with a $2,500 annual limit per ear every 36 months. The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on hearing aid brand, style, or circuit type and mandates in-network provider coverage. It applies to all relevant policies issued or renewed after its effective date (January 1 following enactment).

Maddy summaryBill A 8301 updates the laws regarding the appointment of guardians for individuals with developmental disabilities. It expands the scope of these guardianships to also include persons with traumatic brain injuries. The bill revises the criteria for appointing a guardian, requiring clear and convincing evidence and ensuring the guardianship is imposed in the least restrictive manner necessary. Additionally, it mandates that courts assess an individual's capacity to make health care decisions and clarifies the authority of guardians to make these decisions, including those involving life-sustaining treatment, for both individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Relates to payments in lieu of taxes; provides that the tax base growth factor or quantity change factor includes the change in assessed value for each property on the exempt side of the tax rolls under a payment in lieu of tax agreement; allows a local government or school district to elect to include the equivalent taxable value of property subject to a payment in lieu of taxes agreement in the calculation of its quantity change factor.

Directs the chief administrator of the courts to develop and implement a random audit compliance program to conduct periodic financial audits of law firms that engage in the private practice and create and manage escrow trust accounts in the state in order to ensure proper handling of IOLTA accounts; provides for the funding of the random audit compliance program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8549) establishes clear rules for joint bank accounts involving spouses versus non-spouses in New York. For spousal accounts, funds automatically pass to the surviving spouse upon one spouse’s death without requiring a will. For non-spousal accounts, customers must choose at account opening whether funds go to the estate (convenience account) or to the other person (survivorship account). Banks must inform customers of these options when opening accounts. The law directly affects banks, credit unions, and anyone opening joint accounts in New York.