Asm. Dave McDonough

Requires insurers to provide coverage for tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex pursuant to or as part of breast reconstruction surgery if such tattooing is performed by a physician or other health care practitioner working within their scope of practice.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road to give up their legal ability to claim immunity from lawsuits, making them subject to the same federal railroad laws that apply to other rail companies. It also extends these rules to any other commuter railroads owned by New York municipalities, covering areas like worker safety, retirement benefits, and discrimination. The changes apply immediately and cover any current lawsuits against these railroads.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a provision within the volunteer firefighters' benefit law that covers disabilities caused by heart disease or malfunctioning coronary arteries. By extending the existing temporary coverage, which was set to expire in June 2025, the legislation ensures that volunteer firefighters who suffer these specific health issues remain eligible for benefits indefinitely. The law applies only to injuries that occur after the bill takes effect and does not change the fundamental rules for how these benefits are calculated or awarded.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to create special reserve funds specifically for paying other post-employment benefits, such as healthcare, that employees are entitled to after leaving their jobs. The legislation defines these benefits and permits these entities to fund the reserves through budget appropriations, taxes, or transfers from existing funds, provided a public hearing is held before moving money. It also requires strict financial reporting and prohibits governing board members from using the funds for any purpose other than covering these specific post-employment obligations. Additionally, the bill repeals two existing legal sections and amends education law provisions regarding how costs are allocated to certain school districts.

Relates to repair reserve funds for municipal corporations, school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, district corporations and improvement districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in Minnesota to offer a full exemption from real property taxes to combat veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to their military service. It also extends this benefit to the unmarried surviving spouses of these veterans. Under the new rules, local authorities can choose to grant this 100% tax break regardless of any existing maximum exemption limits set by local laws. The exemption would apply to property assessments prepared on or after January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's vehicle and traffic law to clarify the procedures for using saliva swabs and chemical tests in cases involving driving under the influence. It allows police officers to request saliva swabs or breath tests from drivers involved in accidents or suspected of violating traffic laws, and it establishes when a driver's consent to chemical testing is deemed given. The legislation also outlines specific conditions under which a driver can be detained without arrest to undergo testing and details how a refusal to submit to such tests is reported and handled. Finally, the bill includes provisions regarding the suspension or revocation of driving privileges for those who refuse to take the required tests.

Requires micromobility devices, mopeds, and bicycles with electric assist to have a red tag attached to the charging cord which states to unplug when not in use.

Adds xylazine to the depressants designated as controlled substances with the exception of use in cattle or other nonhuman species if approved by the federal food and drug administration.