Asm. Vivian Cook

Maddy summaryBill A 236 updates the educational licensing requirements for new respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians in New York State. New respiratory therapists will need an associate degree for initial licensure but must attain a baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy or an equivalent within six years to maintain their registration. New respiratory therapy technicians will receive a three-year initial license, after which they must meet the new baccalaureate degree requirements for respiratory therapists to continue practicing. These updated educational standards do not apply to individuals already licensed as of the bill's effective date.

Allows commuter vans to accept hails from prospective passengers in the street; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Requires merchants to accept cash as payment for goods and services; permits the superintendent of financial services to provide exemptions based on certain criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires life insurance applicants to provide medical history at application through a physician's statement or medical records. If insurers accept the application based on this disclosure, they cannot later cancel the policy or reject the application due to the disclosed medical conditions. It directly protects applicants with pre-existing health conditions who voluntarily share their medical history upfront. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts in Rockland and Westchester counties to provide kindergarten instruction to children who turn five years old on or before December 1st. It does not apply to children whose parents choose to delay enrollment until September, nor to students in private schools or receiving home instruction. The law would take effect on July 1st following its enactment.

Creates the responsible retirement of racehorses fund; establishes a horse registration fee; provides such funds be expended to support responsible retirement of racehorses in this state.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the maximum age for provisional or permanent appointment as a police officer in certain government departments from 35 to 40 years old. It directly affects applicants for competitive civil service positions in the Department of Environmental Conservation, county, city, town, village, housing authority, or police district police forces. The key change modifies the age requirement for the written examination date, allowing applicants up to age 40 to qualify instead of the previous 35-year limit. This adjustment applies broadly across eligible departments, with specific exceptions for military service time or existing employees under limited circumstances.

Requires the state board of elections to develop a program to be administered by all boards of elections to notify voters of certain information where their area has been redistricted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing system for two types of vision impairment specialists: orientation and mobility specialists (who teach safe movement techniques) and vision rehabilitation therapists (who provide training for independent living). It requires these professionals to obtain state licenses to use their titles and defines their specific scope of practice, including assessments, training, and use of adaptive devices. The bill also creates a State Board for Vision Impairment Specialists to oversee licensing, composed of licensed practitioners, medical professionals, and blind community representatives. This directly affects individuals seeking to work in these specialized fields and ensures they meet defined standards before practicing.

Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law; provides that in addition to the fines, such person may be enjoined from continuing such violation and any permit or certificate issued to such person may be revoked or suspended, or a pending renewal application may be denied.