Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers to pass bicycles and pedestrians safely on roads outside New York City. In towns and cities with under one million residents, drivers must move to another lane if possible when overtaking a cyclist or pedestrian, or maintain at least a three-foot distance if lane changes aren't feasible. If neither option is safe, drivers must only proceed if it's reasonable under current road conditions. The law applies specifically to vehicles overtaking cyclists or pedestrians on the same side of the road in non-NYC areas.

Provides alternate education and experience requirements for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts licensed prior to 06/24/2027, to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans; removes fees for application for such diagnostic privileges.

Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on wildlife management areas, state forests, forest preserves, state parks or any other state-owned land that is open for hunting and on land contributing surface water to the New York city water supply.

Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to test a program of supplying incarcerated individuals with tablets for educational and recreational means.

Establishes the bilingual teachers of tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program to attract and retain bilingual, certified teachers in schools with a bilingual teacher shortage; provides for grants and procedures for applying for such grants and eligibility requirements for fund distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the previous limit of 10 visits or 30 days for physical therapists to treat patients without a physician referral. It directly affects licensed physical therapists and their patients, allowing ongoing treatment without a referral as long as three requirements are met: therapists must refer patients if symptoms suggest other care is needed, communicate with the patient’s primary care provider during treatment, and provide written notice to patients about potential insurance coverage issues without a referral. The bill requires therapists to document patient notification with a signed form. These changes aim to streamline access to physical therapy while ensuring patient safety and insurance clarity.

Enacts the bucks for boilers act, which creates a program to aid in transition of housing units to electric heat pumps and other high energy efficiency upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for New York State residents who pay for qualified caregiving services for eligible family members. It directly affects caregivers (including spouses on joint returns) with household incomes under $75,000 ($150,000 for couples) who provide uncompensated care to family members meeting specific criteria (e.g., over 18, NY resident, needing daily living assistance certified by a healthcare provider). The credit covers 50% of eligible expenses - such as home health services, respite care, or home modifications - up to $3,500 annually, with a total annual cap of $35 million allocated on a first-come basis. Unused credit amounts cannot be refunded or carried forward, and applications require documentation including income and family member details.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption that previously allowed restaurants, taverns, and similar food service establishments in New York to provide plastic carryout bags without restriction. It amends the state's bag waste reduction law to require these businesses to follow the same rules as other retailers regarding plastic bag usage. The key change means restaurants can no longer use plastic bags for takeout food without adhering to the state's bag reduction requirements. This directly affects all food service businesses that provide plastic bags for customer takeout or delivery.

Authorizes emergency medical technicians to administer certain vaccines pursuant to non-patient specific orders and under the authority of an emergency medical services director after receiving appropriate training; authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a non-patient specific order to an emergency medical technician to administer certain vaccines; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.