Asm. Karen McMahon

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new rules for New York's Medicaid inspector general when auditing healthcare providers' billing for medical assistance payments. It defines key terms like "overpayment" and "clerical error," requires auditors to follow specific standards, and limits how they can spread audit findings to all claims (extrapolation) for minor, isolated errors. Providers must receive detailed audit reports explaining findings and have the right to submit supporting documentation before final decisions. The bill also mandates annual reporting on audit activities to state officials, including how many audits used extrapolation and their financial impact.

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to provide health insurance coverage to New Yorkers who lose eligibility for federal subsidies due to their immigration status. It establishes a new state premium assistance program that offers financial help equivalent to federal tax credits for lawfully present individuals who are currently ineligible for federal aid. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for existing state coverage to include more noncitizens and increases income limits for pregnant individuals and their newborns, with some provisions funded directly by state money regardless of federal approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a workgroup to study how behavioral health services are currently paid for under Medicaid and commercial insurance plans. The group will include representatives from providers, patients, families, and government officials to analyze current rates and actual costs of care. Its main task is to develop a report with recommendations on whether current payment levels are adequate and if new payment models are needed, with findings due by October 2027. The workgroup members will serve without pay but can be reimbursed for their expenses. Once completed, the report will be sent to state leaders to inform future policy decisions.

Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands retirement service credit eligibility for law enforcement officers within the New York State Division of State Police and several other agencies. It directly affects investigators and sworn officers employed by the New York Waterfront Commission starting July 1, 2023, as well as non-seasonally appointed sworn members, forest rangers, and police officers in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The legislation mandates that these individuals be covered under the same retirement provisions as state police officers and ensures their prior service is counted toward their total retirement credit. Additionally, it clarifies that service credit for state university police officers who meet specific training and tenure requirements will be calculated based on their final average salary. These changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based food options upon request by a student or their parent/guardian. Schools must offer these meat-free alternatives (defined as USDA-recognized meat substitutes) at no extra cost compared to standard meals, and include this option in all food service descriptions. The policy applies to every meal or snack the student participates in, while allowing students to choose non-plant-based options if they prefer. It does not mandate schools to offer plant-based meals to all students, only to those who specifically request them.

Requires a board of elections to establish at least one ballot drop-off location in its jurisdiction; requires the ballot drop boxes to be placed 45 days before the election.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Amends provisions relating to payment of wages to include compensation that is not payable solely at the employer's discretion; requires certain notices.