Asm. Joe DeStefano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large group health insurance plans to cover the cost of hearing aids when medically necessary, directly affecting insured individuals with hearing loss. Insurers must cover hearing aids dispensed by registered audiologists or hearing aid dispensers after a medical evaluation, with a $2,500 annual limit per ear every 36 months. The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on hearing aid brand, style, or circuit type and mandates in-network provider coverage. It applies to all relevant policies issued or renewed after its effective date (January 1 following enactment).

Authorizes all municipalities, with the consent of the county and the governing body of such municipality, to join a county self-funded or self-insured health plan; requires certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's First Home Savings Program, creating tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time home buyers. It directly affects New York residents who have never owned a primary residence (including those with mobile homes but excluding those who claimed home tax deductions), allowing them to save for purchasing a home in the state. Key provisions include tax incentives under state law, strict rules defining "first-time buyer" status, and requirements that funds be used only for qualified home purchases (houses, condos, or co-ops) within New York as a primary residence. Withdrawals for non-qualified purposes face penalties, while exceptions exist for death, emergencies, or military service. The program is managed by the state comptroller and requires accounts to be held at approved financial institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Nick's Law," increases penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident resulting in death. It upgrades the offense to a class B felony punishable by fines up to $30,000 (previously a lower misdemeanor or felony level). The law directly affects drivers who fail to stop and report after causing a fatal accident, distinguishing this scenario from lesser violations like not exchanging insurance information. Key provisions include specific fine tiers based on severity (e.g., $750-$1,000 for injury, $30,000 max for death) and clarify that fleeing a fatal accident is treated as a serious felony. The bill amends vehicle and traffic law sections and criminal procedure law to reflect these enhanced penalties.

Provides for the establishment of school speed limits of not less than fifteen miles per hour by the legislative body of any county or, if so delegated, by the legislative body of any locality within said county on a portion of a state highway passing a school building.

Enacts the Northeast Regional Health Insurance Compact Act directing the governor to invite the governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to participate in a Northeast Regional Health Insurance Compact Summit along with their respective health and insurance regulators, to discuss the feasibility of creating a Regional Health Insurance Collaborative that allows residents of participating states to purchase qualified health insurance plans offered in any member state.

Relates to certain conduct that may place a person in segregated confinement; expands the criteria that can be used for calculating good behavior allowances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's state comptroller to conduct financial audits of all public works projects funded by the state when a contractor is convicted or found liable for specific theft or fraud violations. It directly affects contractors (including subcontractors and affiliated entities) working on state-funded projects who are convicted under certain laws related to wage theft, insurance fraud, or labor law violations. The comptroller must audit all such projects the contractor managed after a conviction for offenses listed in the insurance law, penal law (wage theft, fraud), workers' compensation law, or labor law. The law takes immediate effect and aims to ensure public funds are properly accounted for when contractors face legal consequences for financial misconduct.

Ensures Medicaid spending results in real access to medical care by increasing transparency in Medicaid managed care network adequacy reviews and safeguarding continuity of care in light of recent major provider network withdrawals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all visitors and incarcerated individuals to undergo body imaging scans at New York correctional facilities - visitors before entry and inmates upon intake and after visitation. It mandates that facilities use specific scanning equipment defined in public health law, with regulations established by state or New York City health authorities. The bill also requires alternative screening methods for people unable to use scanners due to medical reasons, while allowing facilities to deny visitation for non-medical refusal. This policy directly affects visitors, inmates, and correctional facility staff through new screening procedures.