Asm. Ari Brown

Maddy summaryBill A 7914 establishes a 25-member commission to investigate foreign influence on New York State government employees and elections. The commission will examine weaknesses in laws related to lobbying, public corruption, foreign entity influence on officials, and election integrity, then make reform recommendations. It has authority to request documents or testimony, hold public hearings, and refer evidence of violations to prosecutors. The commission must issue a preliminary report by May 1, 2026, and a final report by May 1, 2027, after which it expires. This bill directly affects state government operations and election processes by creating a structured review mechanism.

Enacts the "Lieutenant Joseph Banish mental health act" which establishes a law enforcement peer support program to provide confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling; defines terms; provides exceptions for when a peer support communication may be disclosed.

Authorizes the department of transportation to establish and implement a state memorial sign program to memorialize persons who died due to injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle crash on state highways.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Requires the appointment of a Title VI coordinator at every college and university in the state to ensure compliance with Title VI of the federal civil rights act of 1964; requires the division of human rights to develop training for students and employees; requires the Title VI coordinator to notify annually all students and employees of the institution's policies and procedures for reporting discrimination and harassment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Island Park Public Library to the list of eligible libraries that can access financing through the state's dormitory authority for library projects. It amends a 1993 law (Public Authorities Law, Section 5) to include the library as a qualifying entity for construction and renovation funding. The key change is simply expanding the pool of libraries that may apply for these specific financing programs, directly benefiting Island Park Public Library. The bill does not alter funding amounts or create new programs, only extends existing eligibility to this library.

Extends from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2027, the expiration of provisions of the town law relating to payments in lieu of taxes for property acquired for park or recreational purposes by the town of Hempstead.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of a 1970 law allowing counties to accept a fixed payment instead of annual property taxes for land acquired for parks or recreational use. It directly affects local governments and counties that purchase land for public parks, maintaining their current tax payment option. The key change is amending the law’s sunset date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The bill does not create new rules but prolongs an existing administrative provision for park land acquisitions. It is a procedural extension with no new policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for Lido Beach property in Hempstead until June 30, 2027. It directly affects property owners at Lido Beach and the Town of Hempstead by maintaining their current tax payment arrangement. The key provision amends Section 2 of the 1978 law to change the end date from 2025 to 2027, ensuring the existing tax structure remains in place. The bill does not create new taxes or alter the payment terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover backup cochlear implant devices for patients who need them, including during device upgrades or replacements after the initial implant. It directly affects patients with cochlear implants who currently lose access to backup equipment after 3-5 years, as insurers only cover backups at the time of initial surgery. The law mandates that insurance must cover the backup device (external components like a processor) whenever prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider, as long as the patient is using the implant. Coverage will follow standard insurance terms like deductibles and copays but must remain available throughout the patient's need for the device, effective January 2027.