Rep. Sam Berger

Relates to updating school concussion management and response protocols; requires that the injured student have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations prior to resuming athletic activity.

Establishes a pilot program to provide grants to local education providers to implement high-impact tutoring programs prioritizing low-income or underserved students to address student learning loss or unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorizes the department of motor vehicles to accept a certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the United States department of defense (DD form 214), a veteran identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs, or a veterans health identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs from veterans of the military as acceptable proofs of identity when applying for a driver license or state identification card.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens financial protections for child performers in New York State by updating the rules for trust accounts that hold their earnings. It requires employers to set aside a tiered percentage of a child's gross income, ranging from 20% to 30%, into a trust managed by a parent, guardian, or professional custodian. The legislation also mandates that parents receive financial education when opening these accounts and allows children to close the trust once they turn eighteen. Additionally, the bill updates official forms used by the Department of Labor to clearly inform parents and employers of these new contribution requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the sales tax exemption for pet food to include a broader range of products such as kibble, wet food, and fresh or frozen options. It specifically adds "specialty pet food" to the list of tax-free items, covering commercial feeds designed for animals classified as specialty pets under state law. By amending the tax law, the measure ensures that these additional food types are not subject to sales tax when purchased. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands retirement service credit eligibility for law enforcement officers within the New York State Division of State Police and several other agencies. It directly affects investigators and sworn officers employed by the New York Waterfront Commission starting July 1, 2023, as well as non-seasonally appointed sworn members, forest rangers, and police officers in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The legislation mandates that these individuals be covered under the same retirement provisions as state police officers and ensures their prior service is counted toward their total retirement credit. Additionally, it clarifies that service credit for state university police officers who meet specific training and tenure requirements will be calculated based on their final average salary. These changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Directs the department of health to establish an alternative payment methodology (APM) for federally qualified health centers to preserve and improve patient access to fertility care.

Prohibits public adjusters from initiating contact with, soliciting, or approaching owners, occupants, tenants, or other affected parties regarding commercial or residential property that has sustained damage from a damaging event within forty-eight hours following such damaging event; establishes reimbursement and written notice requirements for such adjusters.

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.

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.