Rep. Jon Rivera

Expands the use of body scanners to facilities operated by the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities; establishes alternative methods of screening.

Requires the division of criminal justice services to establish a veterinary care program to care for retired law enforcement dogs in the service of or utilized by law enforcement agencies and retired fire investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, canceling policies, increasing premiums, or limiting coverage for homeowners or renters insurance solely because a policyholder owns a specific dog breed or mix. It directly affects renters and homeowners who might have faced higher costs or denial due to their dog's breed. The law requires insurers to base decisions on factors other than breed, ensuring fair treatment for all policyholders. This change applies to all new policies and renewals issued 90 days after the law takes effect.

Establishes a nonprofit news media jobs grant program within the newspaper and broadcast media jobs program to provide grants to support certain nonprofit media organizations which increase employees.

Establishes the "New York state lead-safe renovation, repair and painting act"; establishes standards for lead-safe renovation, repair and painting of residential properties; requires documentation of compliance with such standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Authorizes shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy where a single occupancy room is not available.

Enacts the "ratepayer transparency act" which requires bills utilized by public and private gas corporations, electric corporations and gas and electric corporations in levying charges for service to include separate categories for certain charges.

Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.