Asm. David Weprin

Prohibits the sale of any children's product, upholstered furniture or mattress that contains textile fiberglass; prohibits any custom upholsterer from repairing, reupholstering, recovering, restoring or renewing upholstered furniture or reupholstered furniture using a replacement component that contains textile fiberglass, fibrous glass or glass wool.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York insurance law to clarify requirements for medical malpractice insurance. It directly affects hospitals, physicians, and dentists seeking coverage from insurers not authorized in New York. The bill requires brokers to first obtain a written refusal from the state's medical malpractice insurance plan before placing such coverage with an unauthorized insurer, unless the insured was already informed of the plan's availability. If coverage is placed with an unauthorized insurer, brokers must provide written notice to the insured about key risks, including lack of state insolvency fund protection and reduced regulatory oversight.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Prohibits the retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services if an insured was covered for such services at the time treatment was initiated; requires insurers to notify a treatment provider when an insured has lost coverage based on termination of the insured's employment.

Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).

Maddy summaryBill A1214 prohibits New York employers from requiring job applicants or employees to waive legal rights (such as claims under state or federal law) as a condition of employment. It directly affects all employers and job seekers in New York State by banning pre-employment agreements that diminish rights like wage claims or discrimination protections. The law specifically excludes collective bargaining agreements with labor unions. This creates a clear legal requirement that employers cannot force individuals to give up existing or future legal claims to secure a job. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers to provide new employees with clear, plain-language explanations about mandatory arbitration clauses before they sign employment contracts. Employers must explain what an arbitration clause means in simple terms, especially for contracts signed electronically or by mail, and include a link to a plain-language explanation. If a contract contains a prohibited mandatory arbitration clause (as defined by the bill), that specific clause is void, though other contract terms remain enforceable. The law applies to all new employment contracts entered into after the effective date.

Relates to confidential hearing records; authorizes attorney representing incarcerated individual in certain proceedings to obtain a copy of hearing record; prohibits redisclosure.

Includes the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians and/or other similar nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations in the establishment of immunization administration regulations.

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.