Asm. Nikki Lucas

Enacts the "food safety and chemical disclosure act"; prohibits certain food additives and food color additives; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense; establishes requirements for the reporting of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a compensation program for SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) and cash assistance recipients who had their benefits stolen or defrauded. It creates a dedicated $1.5 million fund (funded by a one-time appropriation from the general fund) to pay eligible individuals after fraud is verified by state agencies. The program requires an application process available in English and the ten most common non-English languages spoken in New York State.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the sales tax exemption for pet food to include a broader range of products such as kibble, wet food, and fresh or frozen options. It specifically adds "specialty pet food" to the list of tax-free items, covering commercial feeds designed for animals classified as specialty pets under state law. By amending the tax law, the measure ensures that these additional food types are not subject to sales tax when purchased. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all motor vehicles operated for hire (like taxis, ride-sharing services, or limousines) to have a human driver physically present, seated behind the steering wheel, and actively engaged in driving. It specifically prohibits the use of self-driving technology in these vehicles without a human driver present and actively operating the vehicle. The law amends traffic regulations to mandate this requirement for all such hired vehicles on public roads. It directly affects companies and drivers providing for-hire transportation services in New York. The policy change is a clear restriction on automated driving systems in commercial passenger vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7013) requires New York State to implement a standardized episodic payment system for certified home health agencies by October 1, 2025, affecting all Medicaid managed care plans, child health insurance plans, and Essential Plans operating in the state. It mandates that the state commissioner notify these plans that episodic payments are the standard method for covering home health services, emphasizing their role in improving patient care and reducing avoidable hospital costs. The bill allows managed care plans and home health agencies to agree on alternative payment rates, including value-based options tied to health outcomes. This change directly modifies how home health services are funded and accessed within New York's Medicaid and insurance systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time tenants have to respond to landlord applications for rent increases based on major building renovations, from 60 to 90 days. It directly affects tenants in New York City rent-stabilized buildings when landlords file such applications. The change modifies specific sections of the city's administrative code and rent control laws to update the response period. This provides tenants with more time to review proposed rent hikes before they take effect.

Enacts the "Renewable Capitol act"; requires the office of general services, in consultation with the power authority of the state of New York, to ensure that all operations that power, heat or cool the empire state plaza complex shall entirely use renewable energy systems; requires the office of general services to establish an advisory committee to advise the office of general services on the preparation, design and content of a plan for the use of renewable energy systems.

Prohibits discrimination against any individual with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking; requires training on discrimination against individuals with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking.

Establishes standards for the closure of bank accounts in the state of New York to include providing notice of closure and the return of funds to account owners.