Asm. Dave McDonough

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).

Relates to outdoor restraints of dogs; prohibits inhumane tethering, including during dangerous weather conditions when a weather alert, advisory or warning is in effect; provides for civil penalties for violations.

Establishes a 14 member doula Medicaid reimbursement work group within the department of health to set reimbursement rates for doulas in the state Medicaid program and address other criteria related to their practice; requires the work group to conduct a study and evaluate the costs, benefits and issues that may be associated with Medicaid reimbursement for doulas and for providing doula care to Medicaid recipients; makes related provisions.

Provides for the establishment of school speed limits of not less than fifteen miles per hour by the legislative body of any county or, if so delegated, by the legislative body of any locality within said county on a portion of a state highway passing a school building.

Establishes a municipal senior center capital support program in the office for the aging to assist municipalities in accessing capital funds necessary for the purchase of senior buses; directs the director of the office for the aging to develop an application and establish criteria for the disbursement of grants to eligible municipalities for the purpose of procuring senior buses; makes an appropriation.

Enacts the Northeast Regional Health Insurance Compact Act directing the governor to invite the governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to participate in a Northeast Regional Health Insurance Compact Summit along with their respective health and insurance regulators, to discuss the feasibility of creating a Regional Health Insurance Collaborative that allows residents of participating states to purchase qualified health insurance plans offered in any member state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's state comptroller to conduct financial audits of all public works projects funded by the state when a contractor is convicted or found liable for specific theft or fraud violations. It directly affects contractors (including subcontractors and affiliated entities) working on state-funded projects who are convicted under certain laws related to wage theft, insurance fraud, or labor law violations. The comptroller must audit all such projects the contractor managed after a conviction for offenses listed in the insurance law, penal law (wage theft, fraud), workers' compensation law, or labor law. The law takes immediate effect and aims to ensure public funds are properly accounted for when contractors face legal consequences for financial misconduct.

Ensures Medicaid spending results in real access to medical care by increasing transparency in Medicaid managed care network adequacy reviews and safeguarding continuity of care in light of recent major provider network withdrawals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all visitors and incarcerated individuals to undergo body imaging scans at New York correctional facilities - visitors before entry and inmates upon intake and after visitation. It mandates that facilities use specific scanning equipment defined in public health law, with regulations established by state or New York City health authorities. The bill also requires alternative screening methods for people unable to use scanners due to medical reasons, while allowing facilities to deny visitation for non-medical refusal. This policy directly affects visitors, inmates, and correctional facility staff through new screening procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state agencies handling digital submissions (like forms or documents) to implement two security measures. First, users must create verified accounts using detailed personal information (name, address, date of birth, and two ID types like SSN or driver's license) and validate it. Second, users must use two-step verification (e.g., password + security code or biometrics) to access their accounts. These requirements apply to anyone submitting information online to state agencies, directly affecting residents and businesses using digital state services. The law takes effect one year after enactment, with agencies allowed to update rules immediately for implementation.