Asm. Andrew Hevesi

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1395) expands who can authorize the donation of a deceased person's body for medical education or research. It amends New York's public health law to add "a close friend" (as legally defined) to the list of individuals permitted to make such anatomical gifts, alongside family members and guardians. The law clarifies that if multiple eligible close friends exist, the donation requires agreement from a majority of those reasonably available. This change streamlines the process for body donations after death while explicitly including close friends in the decision-making authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in New York to cover one rescue inhaler and one maintenance inhaler for asthma treatment at no cost to the patient. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive health insurance policies that cover prescription drugs, directly affecting asthma patients who rely on these medications. Insurers must provide this coverage without deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing, with a narrow exception only for high-deductible plans that would otherwise disqualify patients from health savings accounts. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, for all new or renewed policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York to issue new birth certificates for individuals adopted from other countries under specific conditions. It requires adoptive parents or adoptees to submit proof of New York residency, certified foreign adoption documents with translations, evidence of birth details, and proof of immigrant visa status (like IR-3/IR-4). The law applies retroactively, meaning people adopted before this law took effect can now apply for these certificates. It directly affects foreign-born adoptees in New York who lack a New York-issued birth record.

Maddy summaryThis New York bill requires spouses in divorce cases to notify each other within 10 days if either receives notice of tax liens, foreclosures, bankruptcy filings, or related litigation that could harm the marital estate. It establishes automatic orders that take effect immediately upon filing the divorce papers (for the plaintiff) or service of the papers (for the defendant). These orders remain binding until the divorce is finalized or the case ends, unless modified by court order. The key new provision is the mandatory 10-day notice requirement for financial threats affecting shared assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2311) prohibits local health offices from charging fees when issuing certificates for stillbirths or fetal deaths. It directly affects parents or families seeking official documentation for pregnancy losses. The law amends public health regulations to remove all fees for these specific certificates, replacing previous fee structures. The bill passed both legislative chambers in 2025 and was signed into law on November 21, 2025.

Eliminates penalties for mandated reporters who fail to report suspected abuse or neglect of children or people with special needs; repeals certain provisions of law related thereto.

Creates a department of health education and outreach program on reproductive health services for consumers, patients, educators, and health care providers related to reproductive health services available in New York state including, but not limited to: access to family planning services such as contraceptives and pregnancy testing, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; makes related provisions.

Requires hospitals to permit an interpreter to remain with a deaf, hard of hearing or nonverbal patient during admission to a hospital until appropriate hospital staff is assigned to interpret.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new option for New York residents to register for the Donate Life Registry (which facilitates organ, eye, and tissue donations) through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings. It requires the state to include a clear checkbox on tax forms asking, "Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for 'yes' or 'skip this question'." This expands existing registration methods - which include driver's license applications, health insurance enrollment, and college financial aid forms - to include tax filings for those required to file electronically. The change applies to all taxpayers submitting income tax documents via electronic means, making organ donation registration more accessible during routine state interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7321) would require New York health insurers to cover speech therapy for stuttering when recommended by a physician. It applies to all medical, major medical, and similar insurance plans, eliminating limits on the number of therapy sessions or visits. Coverage must be provided by licensed professionals and clarifies that school-based therapy (like IEPs) does not affect medical coverage for therapy outside educational settings. The bill was vetoed by the governor in October 2025 and did not become law.