Asm. Judy Griffin

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 makes permanent a 2006 law that creates a presumption: volunteer firefighters diagnosed with certain lung disabilities (like cancer or respiratory illnesses) are automatically considered to have incurred those conditions during firefighting duties. It directly affects volunteer firefighters in New York who develop these specific lung conditions while serving. The key change removes the previous expiration date (June 30, 2025), ensuring the presumption remains in effect indefinitely. This simplifies the process for eligible firefighters to access benefits by shifting the burden of proof to the state.

Relates to the assault of physicians providing direct patient care; provides that assault of physicians shall be assault in the second degree, a class D felony.

Authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish and administer a program authorizing eligible vehicles to operate in designated high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, notwithstanding vehicle occupancy.

Maddy summaryBill A 8092 mandates that real estate brokers and salespersons complete sexual harassment prevention training. Under this bill, licensees must complete two hours of training every two years, immediately preceding their license renewal. This training is divided into two one-hour programs, with one completed in each year of the two-year cycle, and its content must align with existing labor law requirements. Licensees will be required to affirm their compliance with this new training when renewing their licenses.

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.

Permits an eligible individual's parent, adult child or in-law relative to be a personal assistant under the consumer directed personal assistance program.

Enacts the solar for schools act which provides grants for eligible school districts to purchase and install solar and geothermal power sources; defines terms; directs the New York state energy and research development authority to establish such grant program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof; makes an appropriation therefor.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.