Asm. Dave McDonough

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York to create a special license plate displaying "Fire Police" for eligible individuals. It allows current fire police members or their spouses to request this plate upon application, providing proof of membership. The plate would be issued like a standard plate, requiring payment of the regular registration fee plus a one-time $10 service charge. The state must ensure the fees collected cover the costs of designing and manufacturing these plates before issuing them.

Provides for the reimbursement of the ticket price of unused one-way, round trip or multi-trip tickets purchased for use on the Long Island Rail Road or the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company if returned within one year.

Authorizes the town of Hempstead, in the county of Nassau, to establish a speed limit of less than 30 miles per hour on certain highways in the community of East Atlantic Beach.

Establishes a fine reimbursement credit for taxpayers fined for operating a bar or restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic in the amount of such fine.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates seat belt use for all passengers and requires drivers of commercial vehicles (including charter buses and taxis/liveries carrying more than eight people) to conduct pre-trip safety briefings and maintain safety belt functionality. It directly affects commercial vehicle operators and passengers aged 8+ in these vehicles, with exemptions for school buses and specific vehicle types. Key provisions include civil fines up to $50 for non-compliance, regular safety belt inspections, and requirements for educational materials on seat belt use. The law aims to implement safety measures recommended by the NTSB following a 2023 collision, focusing on reducing passenger injuries in commercial transport.

Maddy summaryMelinda's Law protects non-abusive parents who report domestic violence from losing custody of their children. It requires courts to consider whether a parent reported abuse before removing children, treating them as "not at fault" if they reported it and are not neglectful. The law prevents abusers from threatening to have children taken away as leverage to control the non-abusive parent. It applies to cases where domestic violence - defined to include emotional, psychological, or physical abuse - has occurred, with specific court procedures to verify reports. This directly affects parents in domestic violence situations seeking to report abuse without fear of child removal.

Requires general hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial services to patients; requires an employee of such general hospital or nursing home who is a notary public to be present from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on business days.

Relates to allowing prescriptions for controlled substances that are normally restricted to a thirty-day supply to be issued for greater than a thirty-day supply during a state of emergency.

Requires the administration and the instruction in preparation of the TASC examination in the Chinese and Korean languages for pupils who are proficient in these languages and of limited English proficiency.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health care facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect unpaid medical bills. It directly affects patients who owe money for care at these state-run facilities, preventing hospitals from using court action to recover debts. The bill defines "medical debt" as any obligation for health care services, products, or devices provided by licensed hospitals, health professionals, or ambulance services. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.