Asm. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new rules for New York's Medicaid inspector general when auditing healthcare providers' billing for medical assistance payments. It defines key terms like "overpayment" and "clerical error," requires auditors to follow specific standards, and limits how they can spread audit findings to all claims (extrapolation) for minor, isolated errors. Providers must receive detailed audit reports explaining findings and have the right to submit supporting documentation before final decisions. The bill also mandates annual reporting on audit activities to state officials, including how many audits used extrapolation and their financial impact.

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Provides guidelines, corrective actions, and transparency, and reconfigures the composition of committees of professional conduct within the office of professional medical conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to provide health insurance coverage to New Yorkers who lose eligibility for federal subsidies due to their immigration status. It establishes a new state premium assistance program that offers financial help equivalent to federal tax credits for lawfully present individuals who are currently ineligible for federal aid. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for existing state coverage to include more noncitizens and increases income limits for pregnant individuals and their newborns, with some provisions funded directly by state money regardless of federal approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates reporting requirements for lobbyists working with small nonprofits that lobby government. It raises the financial threshold for mandatory reporting from $5,000 to $10,000 annually for 501(c)(3) nonprofits (starting in 2026), while keeping it at $5,000 for other lobbyists. Nonprofits exceeding these thresholds must file bi-monthly reports detailing lobbying spending and pay a $200 registration fee, with reduced fees for those under the limit. The bill also requires clients (nonprofits) to submit semi-annual reports if they spend over $5,000 (or $10,000 for 501(c)(3)s) on lobbying. These changes aim to clarify and adjust transparency rules for smaller lobbying entities.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at state-owned parking facilities with 50+ spaces. Facilities with 50-200 spaces must provide charging for at least 10% of spaces (or equivalent electrical capacity), while larger facilities (over 200 spaces) must provide for 20%. All stations must meet minimum electrical specs (40 amps, 208 volts) and comply with local electrical codes. The Office of General Services will handle installation, maintenance, and necessary electrical upgrades, with contracted work requiring prevailing wages. The law takes effect April 1st after enactment.

Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats; establishes a fund for the stewardship of mercury thermostats; extends the effectiveness of the mercury thermostat collection act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords to maintain habitable housing conditions before pursuing rent collection or eviction. Specifically, landlords cannot file such cases if there are unresolved violations of housing codes (like lack of heat, water, or rodent infestations) that have existed for five days or more in the apartment or building common areas. If violations exist, landlords must file an affidavit claiming the violations were recorded incorrectly or not addressed by authorities, and courts can dismiss the case if these claims are false or violations are proven. The law directly affects landlords seeking legal action and tenants facing eviction or rent demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state correctional facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services, including calls made to and from their families or legal representatives. The legislation mandates that these services cannot be replaced by in-person visit programs and prohibits facilities from generating revenue from communication services. It also ensures that existing contracts for communication services must end by March 31, 2026, while new contracts are subject to the free service requirement starting April 1, 2026.