Asm. Judy Griffin

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts basic school supplies from sales tax during a 15-day period each year, specifically the 15 days preceding Labor Day (starting 15 days before the first Monday in September). It covers items like backpacks, textbooks, pens, paper, and calculators purchased for under $110 each. The exemption applies only to purchases made during this designated window, not year-round. This directly affects families buying school essentials before the new academic year begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state health commissioner to create guidelines for including placenta accreta spectrum screenings in routine prenatal care. Placenta accreta spectrum is a pregnancy complication where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall, which can cause serious health risks during delivery. The new guidance will outline when screenings should begin, how often they should be repeated, what risk factors to check for, and how to refer patients for follow-up care. The bill affects healthcare providers who deliver prenatal care and pregnant individuals who may be at risk for this condition. It does not mandate specific screening practices but establishes a framework for the health department to develop standardized recommendations.

Limits the identification of individuals who provide face-to-face care to or direct observation of a patient to their employee identification number, first name and first initial of last name when full name identification may place the personal safety of such individual in jeopardy; requires complainants to only submit their employer's address in cases involving an alleged offense against a hospital worker.

Maddy summaryBill A 8287 requires all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to conduct triennial testing for lead in potable water systems in their buildings. If lead contamination exceeds a specified action level, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan." This plan mandates the installation of filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets in areas like kitchens, while rendering other unfiltered water outlets for human consumption inoperable. Schools must also provide safe, free drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data and management plans publicly available.

Provides that whenever the public service commission denies a request by a utility for a major change in rates or charges, the schedule, rate, charge, form of contract or agreement, rule, regulation, general privilege, facility, or service immediately in effect prior to such request shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the commission approves a new rate, charge.

Relates to the certification of registered nurse anesthetists; provides that for such certification an applicant shall file an application, be licensed as a registered professional nurse, have satisfactorily completed educational preparation for the administration of anesthesia by an accredited entity and pay a fee; specifies who may represent themself as a registered nurse anesthetist.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's mental hygiene law to automatically include Down syndrome as a qualifying condition under the definition of developmental disability for Medicaid eligibility. It adds Down syndrome to a list of specific conditions (alongside cerebral palsy, autism, and others) that now qualify individuals for Medicaid without needing separate assessments. People with Down syndrome who meet income and other standard Medicaid criteria will automatically qualify under this change. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Establishes an educator development workforce for the purpose of contracting with EDHUBNY, a nonprofit organization, for support of New York's child serving and educator workforce; authorizes the workforce to contract with EDHUBNY including performance measures, reporting requirements, and fiscal controls; authorizes collaboration with other state agencies; provides for an appropriation of $50 million.

Requires the department of financial services to fulfill certain requirements to implement homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7013) requires New York State to implement a standardized episodic payment system for certified home health agencies by October 1, 2025, affecting all Medicaid managed care plans, child health insurance plans, and Essential Plans operating in the state. It mandates that the state commissioner notify these plans that episodic payments are the standard method for covering home health services, emphasizing their role in improving patient care and reducing avoidable hospital costs. The bill allows managed care plans and home health agencies to agree on alternative payment rates, including value-based options tied to health outcomes. This change directly modifies how home health services are funded and accessed within New York's Medicaid and insurance systems.