Asm. Karen McMahon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators of e-bikes, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles to wear helmets meeting commissioner standards, regardless of age. It amends vehicle laws to mandate helmets for these vehicles during operation, specifying helmets must fit securely with straps fastened. The law applies universally - no age exemptions exist - and defines "wearing a helmet" as having a properly secured helmet. It covers all users of these devices, including adults and minors, without exceptions.

Relates to prohibiting the release of certain balloons; prohibits a person from knowingly or intentionally releasing outdoors any balloons constructed of electrically conductive material filled with helium or a gas lighter than air; provides exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21st each year as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official calendar of commemorative days, which already includes other observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The bill does not create new policies or funding; it simply establishes a formal recognition day to raise awareness about Down syndrome. This designation affects all New York state entities and residents, encouraging official observances and educational efforts on that date.

Establishes a correctional employee protective labor practices board to make recommendations regarding labor practices and working conditions for correctional employees, and institutional safety of both correctional employees and incarcerated individuals.

Expands the description of certain services which are not prohibited by statutes governing the practice of nursing, including direct support staff to nurses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7540) redirects funds from the Consolidated Local Highway Assistance Program (CHIPS) specifically for bicycle paths, Greenway trails, and other paved multi-use trails not on the state highway system. It requires these trails to be within or connected to local highway right-of-way and meet defined specifications (e.g., minimum 6-foot width for Greenway trails). The policy directly affects local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages) that maintain non-state highways and trails, allowing them to use CHIPS funds for constructing or maintaining these non-motorized infrastructure projects. The bill updates existing highway law to explicitly include these trail types under CHIPS funding eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act" to address toxic algae outbreaks in state waterways. It requires the environmental agency to create a public database collecting water quality data (like nutrient levels and bloom locations) and develop a report of region-specific prevention strategies within three years. The program will also launch a website portal for local governments and nonprofits to access HAB research, expert resources, and best practices. This aims to coordinate statewide efforts to protect public health, recreation, and ecosystems affected by harmful algal blooms.

Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to create a staffing plan for workforce emergencies when experiencing staffing shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A 8065, consolidates the existing licensing system for insurance agents and brokers into a single "producer" license. It amends various sections of the insurance law, replacing references to "agent" with "producer" in contexts related to licensing examinations and general licensing requirements. The legislation streamlines the process for individuals and firms involved in selling or negotiating insurance contracts. While consolidating the licensing, the bill clarifies that it does not alter the underlying legal definitions of "insurance agent" and "insurance broker" as used in other parts of the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed pharmacists in New York to order and administer specific diagnostic tests, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking convenient testing. It authorizes pharmacists to perform FDA-authorized tests for conditions like COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV. The law expands pharmacists' scope of practice to include these tests under federal "waiver" requirements, without requiring additional physician oversight. The provision expires on July 1, 2028, as noted in the bill's text.