Asm. Harvey Epstein

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow the legislature to adjust the number of justices on the supreme court in any judicial district. It sets a population-based limit: the number of justices cannot exceed one per 50,000 residents (or any fraction over 30,000) based on the latest census. The legislature may also reduce justices, but not below the current number in any district. The proposed change requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a public concern. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that preventing and mitigating ACEs is a responsibility for the state and its local governments, to be handled through future legislation. The amendment does not create specific programs or funding but mandates that the legislature develop and implement solutions over time. It directly affects the state legislature, which would need to pass subsequent laws to fulfill this constitutional requirement. The bill is currently in committee review and requires voter approval after future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8697) would amend New York's constitution to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for all elections. It would allow residents aged 16 or older who have lived in their county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election to vote. The bill directly affects 16- and 17-year-old New York residents. If passed, it would require a constitutional amendment process, including a 3-month public notice period before a vote on the change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Enacts the housing development fund company fairness, preservation, and affordability act to clarify certain provisions relating to the dissolution and reincorporation of housing development fund companies; provides for tax exemptions and abatements for housing development fund companies.

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop a uniform electronic medical records system to be utilized by all correctional facilities in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program requiring New York state health programs to pay no more than the lowest price for certain prescription drugs in Canada. It sets maximum prices based on the most recent drug pricing lists from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, starting with the five most expensive drugs. State agencies and health plans must pay these Canadian-based rates for covered drugs, and any savings generated must be passed directly to consumers through reduced costs. The program applies only to state-funded health plans and agencies purchasing drugs for state programs, excluding Medicaid.

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.

Repeals the crime of felony murder; permits vacating conviction and resentencing of defendants convicted of felony murder; requires reporting of certain crime statistics and information.