Asm. Grace Lee

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Social Services Law to allow licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services, rather than requiring them to work through another provider. It specifically adds creative arts therapists to the list of mental health professionals (including mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists) already permitted to bill Medicaid for covered services within their scope of practice. The change applies only to services Medicaid already covers, and does not alter the therapists' existing scope of practice. The bill was referred to the Health committee on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor in all New York state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor for all people in New York - including those convicted of crimes - and adds a new Correction Law section prohibiting any labor compelled through force, threats, or adverse actions (like disciplinary measures). The law makes it illegal for facilities to require labor against an individual's will using coercion or fear of punishment. This represents a concrete legal change to end forced labor practices within New York's prison system.

Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to use clean energy, including ensuring such vehicles are zero-emissions; requires NYSERDA to study zero-emission commercial vehicles, the use of renewable energy in publicly funded airports, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel; requires NYSERDA to administer a grant program to flying schools and clubs that install charging infrastructure.

Provides for the initiation of treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and pharyngitis resulting from a Group A streptococcal infection by a licensed pharmacist in certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil lawsuit pathway for individuals whose constitutional or federal rights were violated by government actors (such as police, courts, or public officials). It allows victims to sue for damages and court-ordered remedies, removes common defenses like "I thought it was legal," and requires courts to award attorney fees to winning plaintiffs - even if the case settles without a formal judgment. Public entities (like cities or state agencies) must cover their employees' legal costs if sued under this law, and lawsuits must be filed within three years of the violation. It directly affects people harmed by government overreach, ensuring they have a clear legal route to seek redress for rights violations.

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7456) requires lobbyists to register and disclose details about efforts to influence the nomination or confirmation of individuals for state offices that require Senate approval. It expands existing lobbying disclosure rules to specifically include "offices and nominees or potential nominees" as a required disclosure point for lobbyists. The key mechanism adds this requirement to multiple sections of the legislative law, mandating that lobbyists report the specific offices and nominees they are lobbying for. This affects lobbyists working on appointments to state positions subject to Senate confirmation, such as judges or agency heads.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows SNAP (food stamp) recipients to receive replacement benefits if their benefits are stolen through fraud like card skimming, cloning, or third-party deception. It requires social services districts to replace stolen benefits within five business days without requiring police reports, capping replacements at the lesser of the stolen amount or two months' benefits per household. The bill limits replacements to twice yearly for thefts before October 2024 and once yearly after, while exempting replacements from future benefit deductions. It directly affects SNAP recipients who experience verified benefit theft, streamlining the recovery process.

Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right to counsel for eligible immigrants in New York during immigration proceedings. It applies to income-eligible non-citizens or those with significant New York ties (like residents or cases tied to NY courts) facing removal or detention under federal immigration law. The New York State Office for New Americans will administer the program, providing initial consultations and ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and continuing until the case concludes. Legal services must be offered regardless of the proceeding's location, including federal immigration courts outside New York.