Asm. Karen McMahon

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the previous limit of 10 visits or 30 days for physical therapists to treat patients without a physician referral. It directly affects licensed physical therapists and their patients, allowing ongoing treatment without a referral as long as three requirements are met: therapists must refer patients if symptoms suggest other care is needed, communicate with the patient’s primary care provider during treatment, and provide written notice to patients about potential insurance coverage issues without a referral. The bill requires therapists to document patient notification with a signed form. These changes aim to streamline access to physical therapy while ensuring patient safety and insurance clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows property and casualty insurance companies to deliver certain notices electronically instead of by mail. It specifically applies to notices related to insurance contracts under vehicle and traffic law, such as policy changes or coverage evidence. The law requires electronic notices to meet state technology law standards and permits delivery to an electronic address not listed in the policy. This change directly affects insurance policyholders and companies by expanding how they receive legally required notifications. The bill makes electronic delivery legally valid for these specific notices, replacing the previous requirement for physical mailing.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces every instance of the word "accident" with "crash" throughout New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law. It affects how vehicle incidents are documented in official records, including crash reports, tow truck regulations, and highway safety documentation. The change is purely linguistic - no legal requirements, penalties, or procedures are altered. The bill updates terminology to align with common usage without modifying the law's substance.

Establishes the "New York individuals with dyslexia education act"; implements a plan to identify and support students with characteristics of dyslexia; requires annual screening in grades K-5; directs intervention and notification; directs education department to develop a handbook providing guidance to parents and teachers.

Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.

Relates to paratransit services; directs that an applicant for recertification submit correspondence from a licensed physician in lieu of an in-person assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New York Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic ties between New York and Ireland. The commission, composed of 15 members (including Senate/Assembly appointees and governor-appointed members with specific representation from Irish American communities, higher education, and business), will focus on advancing bilateral trade, investment, and academic exchanges. It requires the commission to report annually to the governor and legislature with findings and recommendations, but does not create new taxes, regulations, or direct financial obligations. The bill is procedural in nature, creating a body to facilitate existing trade relationships rather than implementing new policy.

Maddy summaryBill A 8326 expands vehicle registration options for severely disabled individuals by allowing their parents or guardians to register a motor vehicle, van, or pick-up truck used for transportation. The Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner will issue special "disabled person passenger plates" for these non-commercial vehicles. Applicants must provide proof of the person's severe disability, certified by a medical professional, and documentation of their parenthood or guardianship. This ensures that vehicles used by parents or guardians for transporting severely disabled persons can receive appropriate identification.

Requires state agencies and courts to take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition and contemporary examples of antisemitism when reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any non-criminal or criminal law, rule, or policy prohibiting discriminatory acts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum five-year duration for orders of protection in all domestic violence cases, replacing previous shorter timeframes. It requires courts to explicitly state findings of aggravating circumstances on the record when extending orders beyond the minimum period. The legislation applies to both civil family court orders (under the Family Court Act) and criminal sentencing orders (under the Criminal Procedure Law). Key provisions prevent courts from denying extensions solely because abuse hasn't occurred during the order's term and mandate that courts articulate their reasoning for duration decisions. The bill also clarifies that temporary orders don't affect the length of final orders.