Asm. Manny De Los Santos

Maddy summaryBill A 8164 proposes a tax credit for residential property owners who install fire sprinkler systems. The credit would cover 25% of the labor and material costs for these installations. This benefit is specifically available for properties located in municipalities that do not already require fire sprinkler systems. If the credit amount exceeds a taxpayer's owed taxes, the remaining balance will be refunded.

Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.

Relates to program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D; provides for analysis of health plans by the department of health to determine whether such health plans meet or exceed the Medicare part D standard; requires the department of health, in consultation with the department of financial services, to notify prescription drug insurers of the provisions of this act.

Enacts the "sick leave for pets care act"; allows employees to receive paid sick leave for the medical diagnosis or treatment of such employees' sick pets.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health care facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect unpaid medical bills. It directly affects patients who owe money for care at these state-run facilities, preventing hospitals from using court action to recover debts. The bill defines "medical debt" as any obligation for health care services, products, or devices provided by licensed hospitals, health professionals, or ambulance services. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Safeguards cash accounts for people with developmental disabilities in a facility under the control of the commissioner of mental health, the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities and the commissioner of alcoholism and substance abuse services.

Expands the powers of the New York state division of housing and community renewal and supervising agencies and modifies the obligations of certain New York state funded housing providers.

Establishes the addiction prevention and recovery act; increases taxes on alcohol by fifty percent; allocates the increased revenue to a special fund to be used for the purposes of alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery services and programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's social services office to implement an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system by June 21, 2027, replacing paper checks for programs like food assistance and cash benefits. It mandates using standard commercial electronic payment technology, including chip-based cards, to deliver benefits securely and efficiently. The policy directly affects state recipients of social services and the agency managing benefit distribution, shifting from physical vouchers to digital transfers. The law also requires the office to upgrade the system as soon as possible after the deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State teachers to complete 10 hours of specific mental health and trauma-informed training during each five-year teaching license renewal period. It mandates that this training cover topics like trauma-informed care, identifying mental health symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, crisis de-escalation, and mental health first aid. The training must be part of the existing 100-hour continuing education requirement for teachers. The law applies directly to all licensed teachers and school leaders seeking license renewal after July 1, 2026. The New York State Education Department will develop the required course standards and content.