Asm. Misha Novakhov

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.

Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.

Provides that certain crimes of child abuse may be amended to give the plaintiff until they reach 55 years of age; provides that where acts or omissions giving rise to a claim and occurred in more than one jurisdiction, New York courts shall have jurisdiction where the plaintiff resided in this state for a substantial portion of childhood or received a substantial portion of the treatment or medical control in this state; voids any insurance policy which purports to exclude or limit coverage for certain claims where an action to recover damages for injury resulting from child abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, medical neglect, or medical negligence committed against a person when such person was under eighteen years of age; makes related provisions.

Relates to the availability of opioid reversal agents; requires the department of health to make available any formulation and dosage of opioid reversal agent approved by the federal food and drug administration.

Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.

Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate twenty-five feet outside of reproductive health care facilities and places of religious worship.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum tax exemption for capital improvements (like renovations or additions) to residential buildings from $80,000 to $168,000 in most areas. It directly affects homeowners who make significant upgrades to their properties, allowing them to exclude more of the increased property value from real estate taxes. The exemption limit remains at $750,000 for non-city special assessing units. The change applies to improvements made after the bill takes effect, raising the cap without altering how the exemption amount is calculated.

Maddy summaryBill A 945, known as "Jacobe's Law," requires school administrators to contact the parents or guardians of students when a verified incident of bullying, harassment, or discrimination has occurred. Designated school employees must first investigate and confirm the incident. Following verification, a school professional will discuss any health, safety, or privacy concerns with the students involved. If no such concerns are expressed, the school will make a good faith effort to contact the parents; if concerns are raised, the professional will use their judgment to determine if parental contact is in the student's best interest. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report such incidents in good faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions and requirements for organizations that provide fiscal intermediary services within the consumer directed personal assistance program. It establishes a new category of "Fiscal intermediary" alongside the existing "Statewide fiscal intermediary," allowing certain entities, like those with Department of Health contracts or independent living centers, to operate in this role. These new fiscal intermediaries will have the same status as the Statewide fiscal intermediary and can directly contract with managed care plans and other programs. The bill also removes the procurement process requirement for the Statewide fiscal intermediary and streamlines registration rules for these service providers.

Maddy summaryBill A 6586 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services for individuals with serious conditions expected to last at least three months and at high risk of hospitalization, nursing home placement, or health decline. These services help connect patients to social supports like transportation, housing, food assistance, and healthcare appointments, and include referrals, enrollment help, and care coordination. Certified navigators (trained through approved programs) must provide these services under a healthcare provider's supervision. The law applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring coverage for high-risk patients who need help accessing care.