Asm. Harvey Epstein

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new LGBTQ+ advisory board in New York State to provide guidance and recommendations to the governor and state agencies on issues affecting the community. The board would consist of twelve appointed members who identify as LGBTQ+, excluding current legislators and state employees, with terms staggered to ensure continuity. Its main duties include conducting research, developing policy proposals, and submitting an annual report on the needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ population. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the governor in November 2024.

Establishes the people with disabilities access to programs commission to examine, evaluate and make recommendations for new laws with respect to how the state should streamline eligibility requirements and processes for its programs and services to assist people with disabilities.

Requires certain information about the facility and what types of plans and procedures such facility has in place to be provided to prospective maternity patients.

Relates to participation by individuals with disabilities with respect to state employment and state contracts; requires contractors to report to state agencies regarding the utilization and participation of work on both service and commodity contracts by a person with a disability; requires such state agencies to report to the office of general services and the office of general services to report to the state procurement council, governor, comptroller and the legislature.

Establishes a chief sustainability officer to coordinate efforts across state agencies and other state government entities to address climate change mitigation and climate sustainability efforts.

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.

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish a program to purchase fresh produce from farms located in the state and distribute such fresh produce to correctional facilities in the state to be utilized in the provision of wholesome and nutritious food to incarcerated individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid coverage to include remote ultrasound scans and remote fetal non-stress tests for pregnant individuals. The change allows these specific medical services to be performed by qualified practitioners using technology that does not require the patient to be physically present at a clinic. The legislation includes a condition that these services will only become active if the federal government agrees to share the associated costs. Additionally, the law clarifies that this expansion does not alter existing rules regarding medical licensing or the scope of practice for healthcare providers.

Requires DHCR to develop a common application and web portal for certain funding, tax credits, loans, and grants for housing; requires such application to be available upon request from relevant state agencies; requires such web portal to be manageable by relevant state agencies; makes relevant provisions.

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision within twenty-four hours of the attempted suicide or hospitalization of an incarcerated individual or any other individual occurring in the custody of the department, to notify the emergency contacts of such incarcerated individual or other such individual.