Asm. Joe DeStefano

Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance promulgate regulations and create policies to encourage married adults or two adult households when determining the standard of need for eligibility for public assistance programs; and to exempt certain income and resources for such adults and households.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law to explicitly prohibit throwing or depositing grass clippings on any highway. It directly affects residents, landscapers, and others who might dispose of yard waste along roadways. The key provision adds grass clippings to a list of hazardous materials already banned on highways - including glass, nails, and cans - because they could injure people, animals, or vehicles. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Establishes a discount fare rate of no less than 25% for full-time undergraduate students attending an accredited college who utilize the New York city transit system, including railroad, subway and/or omnibus services.

Establishes tuition awards for members of the reserved armed forces of the United States; provides eligibility for such tuition benefit shall be determined by the education services offices of the division of military and naval affairs; restricts such tuition benefit to legal residents of the state; establishes a tuition award account.

Prohibits insurance companies from imposing a co-pay pursuant to a follow up visit with a physician in order to receive a refill on an opioid drug prescription which was initially written for seven days or less.

Establishes the crime of forcible touching of a correction officer; increases criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses committed against correction officers when such correction officer is acting in the course of such correction officer's employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers of buses, taxis, and livery vehicles (like ride-share or limousine services) from using hands-free mobile phones while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects commercial drivers of these specific vehicle types. Key exceptions include using phones for emergencies (contacting 911, hospitals, or emergency services), for dispatch purposes, or when the vehicle is parked off the road in a permitted location. The law does not apply to emergency vehicle operators or police/fire personnel on duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies to cover at least 90 days of rehabilitation services at a facility when a doctor prescribes it. It directly affects insured individuals needing post-illness or injury rehabilitation, ensuring they receive extended coverage without arbitrary limits. The key provision mandates that new or renewed insurance policies include this 90-day coverage, contingent on a doctor's referral. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and applies to policies issued after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2444) exempts toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss from state sales tax. It directly affects consumers who purchase these specific oral hygiene products, as they would no longer pay sales tax on them. The law adds these items to the existing list of tax-exempt products under the tax code. The exemption would take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Establishes the crimes of deceptive wearing of a mask and aggravated deceptive wearing of a mask; makes such crimes a class B misdemeanor and a class A misdemeanor, respectively.