Asm. Catalina Cruz

Repeals certain provisions regarding the adoption of a new or revised city charter proposed by a charter commission which limits the submission of questions to a city's qualified electors; eliminates the rule that provides that whenever a city charter commission puts a proposal on the local ballot, all other local referendum proposals are barred from the ballot.

Establishes a fiscal cliff task force to conduct a study on fiscal cliffs in the state's public assistance programs and to make recommendations related thereto.

Authorizes the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation and the office of mental health to conduct a study pertaining to a proposed expansion of the Long Island Motor Parkway trail.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Requires that health insurance policies shall provide coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer; provides that no patient cost sharing shall be imposed for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2311) prohibits local health offices from charging fees when issuing certificates for stillbirths or fetal deaths. It directly affects parents or families seeking official documentation for pregnancy losses. The law amends public health regulations to remove all fees for these specific certificates, replacing previous fee structures. The bill passed both legislative chambers in 2025 and was signed into law on November 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies to cover medically necessary transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy when recommended by established medical guidelines. It directly affects insured pregnant individuals and insurers by mandating this coverage under specific conditions. The law defines "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" as evidence-based standards developed by independent medical organizations with transparent processes. The requirement applies to all new or renewed policies issued on or after January 1, 2027.

Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New York's Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund for an additional three years. It directly affects black car operators (like ride-share drivers) who rely on the fund for compensation if injured while working. The key mechanism modifies the fund's expiration date, changing it from six years to nine years after implementation under existing law. This adjustment ensures the fund remains operational to support affected drivers without altering its core purpose or eligibility rules.

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.