Asm. Joe DeStefano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires industrial development agencies in New York municipalities to include a representative from a labor organization on their governing boards. It defines "labor organization" as any group formed for collective bargaining, handling workplace grievances, or worker protection (excluding company unions). Agencies must have 3-7 members, including at least one labor representative, a local government/business representative, and a school district representative. The law aims to ensure worker voices are part of decisions affecting local economic development projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows victims of certain misdemeanor offenses to make statements at sentencing. Specifically, it applies when a defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor related to a vehicle traffic offense that originally involved a felony charge resulting in serious physical injury to the victim. Victims must request this statement at least 10 days before sentencing, and the court must notify the defendant at least 7 days in advance. If the defendant doesn't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not apply to all misdemeanors, only those tied to specific traffic-related felony charges with serious injury.

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road for individuals in active military service of the United States and active duty members of the New York national guard, upon showing a military or national guard identification card.

Authorizes the Medford fire district, located in Suffolk county, to deposit into the insurance reserve fund an amount of $400,000 in each of the years 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and issuers to cover rehabilitation treatment for children diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) when an attending physician certifies the medical necessity in writing. It directly affects children with PANS and their families, ensuring insurance coverage for necessary rehabilitation services. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this coverage without additional barriers, relying solely on physician certification rather than prior authorization for the treatment. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3536) requires GPS navigation systems sold or used in New York State to display the legal clearance height of bridges and overpasses along proposed routes. It directly affects navigation system manufacturers and sellers by mandating they provide this specific clearance data - defined as the height marked on highway signs under existing traffic law - when generating routes. The key provision states systems must include this information unless they provide clear user instructions about vehicle height restrictions and the driver’s responsibility to comply. This aims to prevent accidents involving low-clearance structures by ensuring navigation tools reflect official highway signage. The bill does not alter traffic laws but requires navigation technology to align with current clearance signage standards.

Empowers the office of fire prevention and control to, in coordination with the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities and the chief disability officer, provide minimum basic training related to handling emergency situations involving individuals with any physical and/or developmental disability to all firefighters.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents local governments (cities, towns, or villages) from creating their own voting rules that expand eligibility beyond what state law allows. It specifically prohibits municipalities from granting voting rights to people who don't have the right to vote under state election law, through actions like changing local charters or passing local laws. The bill amends election law to ensure voting eligibility remains consistent with state standards and cannot be altered by local authorities. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare May 5, 2026, as Severe Asthma Day in New York. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about severe asthma, a difficult-to-manage form of the condition that requires specialized care and often leads to frequent medical emergencies. By aligning this state observance with World Asthma Day, the legislation seeks to highlight the unique challenges faced by patients who do not respond well to standard treatments. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to educate the public and support those affected by the disease.