Asm. Linda Rosenthal

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.

Directs the department of taxation and finance to create and implement an online program which will enable each New York state taxpayer to prepare and electronically file such taxpayer's federal and state income tax returns free of charge.

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.

Requires that any limited liability company who files a rent registration statement shall include a list of all members of such limited liability company and each member's ownership interest.

Prevents health plans from engaging in overpayment recovery efforts that include contacting the patient to seek reimbursement for such overpayment of claims.

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.

Relates to the liability of an employee committing an unlawful discriminatory practice; creates joint and several liability for employers and employees responsible for unlawful discriminatory practices.

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.

Increases the penalty for multiple convictions of torturing, killing or failing to provide sustenance to an animal to a felony, if convicted within five years from the date of a prior conviction.