Asm. Rebecca Seawright

Maddy summaryThis bill, A 1147, authorizes an 11% rate increase for in-person early intervention services provided by approved healthcare providers, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects service providers (such as therapists and clinics) who deliver early intervention care to children with developmental delays or disabilities. The key provision mandates the commissioner of health to implement this specific rate adjustment for approved costs under public health law. The increase applies only to services rendered on or after the effective date, with no additional eligibility changes.

Prohibits insurance companies from discriminating based on genetic predisposition including refusing to issue or renew, charging any increased rate, or restricting any length of coverage; prohibits insurers from requiring genetic testing.

Maddy summaryBill A1370 would raise the minimum age for using tanning beds from 18 to 21. Tanning facility owners and operators must prevent anyone under 21 from using ultraviolet radiation devices. The bill amends Section 3555 of the public health law to update this age requirement, effective immediately.

Relates to allowing for students in certain postsecondary education experience or transition programs to receive awards from the tuition assistance program.

Expands pharmacy benefit management services to include the management or administration of benefits relating to durable medical equipment; defines "durable medical equipment"; relates to pharmacy or durable medical equipment provider audits by pharmacy benefit managers.

Allows a notice of dense breast tissue to be considered a determination of medical necessity for purposes of coverage of breast ultrasounds as recommended by a provider of mammography services.

Establishes who qualifies as an authorized agent of a voter; prohibits an agent of the voter or authorized agent from receiving no more than five absentee ballots for an election; establishes penalties for failing to deliver a ballot and interfering with a voter's marking of a ballot.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.

Relates to defining "critical violations" of applicable statutes and regulations by child care providers licensed or registered by the office of children and family services; the imposition of sanctions and penalties for such violations by the office of children and family services; and processes for administrative appeal of such sanctions and penalties.

Requires forest management plans, subject to the approval of the department of environmental conservation, for certain lands subject to a conservation easement purchased by the state; forbids clearcutting on such lands without such forest management plan; increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting.