Asm. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow the legislature to adjust the number of justices on the supreme court in any judicial district. It sets a population-based limit: the number of justices cannot exceed one per 50,000 residents (or any fraction over 30,000) based on the latest census. The legislature may also reduce justices, but not below the current number in any district. The proposed change requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8697) would amend New York's constitution to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for all elections. It would allow residents aged 16 or older who have lived in their county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election to vote. The bill directly affects 16- and 17-year-old New York residents. If passed, it would require a constitutional amendment process, including a 3-month public notice period before a vote on the change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (A.870) asks Governor Hochul to officially designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but honors physician anesthesiologists for their contributions to medical advancements like the Apgar Score, anesthesia safety monitoring, and pain management techniques. The resolution specifically recognizes their role in the Anesthesia Care Team model and their work in surgical safety, critical care, and reducing opioid use. It is a ceremonial observance aligned with National Physician Anesthesiologist Week.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates Guyana's 60th anniversary of independence from British rule (May 26, 1966) and recognizes Guyanese Independence Day. It symbolically honors the Guyanese people's sovereignty and resilience, acknowledging New York State's large Guyanese diaspora and their cultural contributions. The resolution directs the legislative body to pause in deliberations for this commemoration and sends a formal copy to the Guyanese Consulate in New York. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program requiring New York state health programs to pay no more than the lowest price for certain prescription drugs in Canada. It sets maximum prices based on the most recent drug pricing lists from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, starting with the five most expensive drugs. State agencies and health plans must pay these Canadian-based rates for covered drugs, and any savings generated must be passed directly to consumers through reduced costs. The program applies only to state-funded health plans and agencies purchasing drugs for state programs, excluding Medicaid.

Prohibits the imposition of any surcharge for the installation or use of a tenant-installed appliance where the tenant pays for electric utility service, under rent control, and rent stabilization laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases corporate income tax rates in the state. For most corporations, the rate rises to 7.25% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Corporations with a business income base exceeding $5 million will pay 11.5% instead of the standard rate. The change applies to businesses operating within the state and affects all corporate taxpayers subject to the state's tax law, with specific lower rates for small businesses, manufacturers, and qualified emerging technology companies as defined in the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for taxable years starting on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign about maternal depression for both the public and maternal healthcare providers, funded through a new $20 million "maternal depression fund." The fund, managed by the state comptroller and tax commissioner, receives the $20 million appropriation and directs it to the Department of Health to implement the awareness program. It directly affects New York residents, particularly new mothers and healthcare providers, by providing resources to educate about maternal depression risks and treatments. The bill establishes clear mechanisms for funding allocation and disbursement without altering existing healthcare services or eligibility.