Asm. Vivian Cook

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public employees in New York (including state, county, school district, and retirement system workers) to use accrued sick, vacation, or personal time during waiting periods for workers' compensation benefits or when their claim is disputed. Employers cannot force employees to use this time during such periods, and if an employee later qualifies for benefits, they get their used time fully restored. The law does not apply to employees covered by collective bargaining agreements unless their union specifically opts in to these provisions. It preserves existing collective bargaining rights while ensuring employees don't lose accrued time during workers' comp processing delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks and cashier crypto exchanges within the state, requiring operators to obtain a license from the banking superintendent. It mandates clear disclosures to consumers regarding fees, exchange rates, and contact information, while also requiring specific warnings about potential scams before a transaction is completed. The legislation sets rules for transaction limits, fraud refunds, and anti-money laundering procedures, ensuring that operators maintain customer service standards and provide transaction receipts. Ultimately, the bill aims to bring digital currency exchanges under existing banking laws to protect consumers and prevent financial fraud.

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 summaryBill A 8494 amends existing law regarding a "valuation manual" related to the insurance industry. It adjusts the reporting schedule for the Department of Financial Services (DFS), requiring them to submit reports on the manual's impact in the second and fifth years after its implementation, removing a previous seventh-year report. Additionally, this bill makes the provisions related to the valuation manual permanent by removing a 10-year sunset clause, ensuring these regulations continue indefinitely. This primarily affects the reporting obligations of the DFS and the long-term regulatory framework for insurance companies.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Relates to providing education and outreach programs related to home visiting programs which provide support for pregnant and parenting families, and have been proven to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families; provides that such information shall include information on services available from such programs, eligibility, and relevant contact information.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Requires any dealer where lithium-ion batteries, bicycles with electric assist, micromobility devices and limited use motorcycles are sold at retail or repaired, and/or lithium-ion electric batteries are housed in a storage facility to maintain functional fire protection and suppression measures effective against lithium-ion battery and electrical fires, including but not limited to Class B extinguishers, battery cases, and automatic monitoring and detection; authorizes the department of state to promulgate necessary rules and regulations; imposes a fine of $250 for a knowing violation to comply with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in New York City buildings with six or more rental units to provide all tenants equal access to common amenities like pools, fitness centers, and parking - without charging fees that are part of rent or make access prohibitive. Landlords may charge reasonable, non-rent fees for amenities but cannot deny access as a condition of renting or reduce rent for denied access (unless amenities were historically provided). Violations carry a maximum $2,000 fine, with a 30-day grace period to fix issues before penalties apply. Enforcement falls to NYC’s Housing Preservation commissioner, who will create complaint systems and rules for implementation. The law directly affects tenants and landlords in qualifying multi-unit buildings citywide.

Requires each school district to ensure that every public school in which school days exceed five hours in duration provides up to thirty minutes of daily recess within the school day for all students in kindergarten through fifth grade and for students in sixth grade who attend an elementary school.