Asm. Demond Meeks

Establishes statewide pilot programs for the purpose of promoting the use of alternatives to opioid treatment for individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain by offering access to nonpharmacologic treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation agencies to design all publicly funded road projects - including construction, reconstruction, and major maintenance - to safely accommodate all users (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders) through "complete street" principles. It applies to projects receiving both federal and state funding under transportation department oversight, excluding routine resurfacing but including projects with a 10+ year lifespan. The law mandates agencies consider factors like traffic volume, population density, and community input when planning, rather than automatically prioritizing vehicles. It does not change existing project approvals but sets new standards for how projects must be designed.

Requires Medicaid to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity including coverage for intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication.

Requires DOCCS' office of special investigations to send a representative of such office in-person to confirm any reported incident of bodily injury or harm to an incarcerated individual no later than 5 days after receiving such report.

Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"; prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against covered entities and New York state pharmacies based on participation in the drug discount program authorized by section 340B of the federal public health service act.

Maddy summaryBill A 8191 establishes a gender affirming care program within the Department of Health to ensure the continuity of these services in the state. This program aims to provide funding and resources to healthcare providers to facilitate access for individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. The bill defines gender affirming care to include a range of social, psychological, behavioral, medical, and surgical interventions. Funding for the program will be appropriated by the legislature, with a minimum amount set and annual increases tied to the consumer price index. The Department of Health is tasked with creating regulations and consulting experts to implement the program.

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

Creates statewide emergency and crisis response council to work in conjunction with the commissioners of mental health and addiction services to jointly approve emergency and crisis services plans submitted by local governments, and provide supports regarding the operation and financing of high-quality emergency and crisis services provided to persons experiencing a mental health, alcohol use, or substance use crisis.

Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6128) requires health insurers and health coverage providers under New York's Healthy New York program to include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in existing policies. It directly affects insurers selling group or individual health insurance policies that cover hospital care or physician services. The key change amends insurance law to mandate that these policies explicitly cover mental health care, aligning it with other medical treatments. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.