Asm. Judy Griffin

Relates to program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D; provides for analysis of health plans by the department of health to determine whether such health plans meet or exceed the Medicare part D standard; requires the department of health, in consultation with the department of financial services, to notify prescription drug insurers of the provisions of this act.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides free tuition and fees at SUNY, CUNY, and New York community colleges for New York state residents who serve as active volunteer firefighters. To qualify, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, complete their degree within 3-5 years, and continue serving as volunteer firefighters throughout their studies. The program covers only tuition and fees for one undergraduate degree, requiring students to first apply for existing tuition assistance programs. Failure to meet requirements (like GPA or service hours) converts the tuition to a loan with interest. Students remain responsible for housing, books, and other non-tuition costs.

Relates to the definition of "reproductive health services" for purposes of the offense of criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the second degree; defines "legally protected health activity"; increases the penalties for the criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the first and second degrees, and for aggravated interference with health care services in the second degree.

Enacts the nursing education support act to allocate additional funds to nursing programs at community colleges across New York state to expand capacity, improve program quality, and ensure a robust pipeline of skilled nurses to meet the state's healthcare needs.

Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.

Requires public corporations and agencies to provide written notice to each minority- or women-owned business enterprise that unsuccessfully bid on a contract of the reason or reasons why the business enterprise was unsuccessful in obtaining the contract.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a 2022 law that grants "preferred source status" to businesses providing employment to certain persons (like veterans or individuals with disabilities) when those businesses bid on state government contracts. It removes the original 3-year expiration date from the 2022 law, ensuring the preferred status remains in effect indefinitely. The provision directly affects state government contractors who employ these specific groups, giving them priority in procurement processes. It does not create new eligibility criteria but extends the existing rule permanently. The law applies to new contracts issued after the effective date, not to existing contracts or requests for proposals.

Maddy summaryBill A 8246 proposes to allow individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to use them for purchasing menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty liners. The bill directs the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to seek a waiver or authorization from the federal government for this change. This policy would only take effect if federal approval is granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes possessing a flamethrower a class E felony under New York law. It defines a "flamethrower" as any device projecting burning fuel at least three feet, excluding inoperable displays. The law specifically excludes historical flamethrowers (built before 1966 with at least five significant pre-1966 components), those used for agriculture/construction, and flamethrowers owned before the law takes effect. It does not ban manufacturing or restoring components, only possession of active devices meeting the definition. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Enacts the tobacco product waste reduction act prohibiting the sale or offering for sale of cigarettes utilizing single-use filters and single-use electronic cigarettes.