Asm. David Weprin

Waives the state's sovereign immunity to liability for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act; waives the immunity of all instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a specific rule from the state's judiciary law that currently permits lawyers with offices in the state to live in a neighboring state. By repealing Section 470, the legislation eliminates this exception, meaning attorneys must now reside within the state to maintain their local practice. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to all lawyers subject to the state's judicial regulations.

Relates to gender indication on insurance claim forms; provides policies shall not exclude coverage if gender indication is different from sex assigned at birth or gender otherwise recorded.

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.

Enacts the "Consumer and Small business Protection Act"; relates to standing for persons affected by prohibited or unlawful business practices; expands prohibited acts to include unfair, deceptive or abusive acts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires managed long-term care plans in New York to submit more detailed annual reports to the state health department, replacing the previous biannual schedule. The new requirements mandate the inclusion of specific data on service usage, enrollment numbers, quality metrics, and financial expenditures, all of which must be posted on the department's website in an interactive format. Key additions include tracking complaints and appeals, measuring wait times for authorized services, and monitoring the movement of patients between community-based care and nursing facilities. Plans must also provide this data in a standardized format that allows for direct comparisons between different providers across the state and its regions.

Authorizes the governor and lieutenant-governor, commissioner of general services, secretary of state, comptroller, attorney general, and members of the legislature, provided that such request does not impact upon the department's ability to manage its facilities as determined by the director of the facility, to visit any facility designated by the commissioner of mental health for care and treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies from using an individual's consumer credit history to make decisions about hiring, compensation, or employment terms. It defines consumer credit history to include credit reports, credit scores, and details about payment history or bankruptcies obtained directly from the individual. The law includes specific exceptions for roles requiring security clearances, access to trade secrets, positions involving significant financial authority, and certain law enforcement or investigative jobs. Additionally, it prevents state and municipal agencies from using credit history for licensing or permitting purposes, with similar exceptions for positions requiring high levels of public trust or financial responsibility. The Division of Human Rights is tasked with collecting data on how these exemptions are used and reporting findings to the legislature within two years.