Enacts the "limited-scope wound care specialist certification act", directing the department of education to establish a program for the education and certification of individuals working for non-profit organizations as limited-scope wound care specialists.
Relates to prevailing wage requirements applicable to public works and certain construction projects performed under private contract and paid for with public funds.
Establishes a wound care kit and xylazine test strip distribution program to supply wound care kits designed for the treatment of injection-related wounds and skin and soft tissue infections, and xylazine test strips, to individuals with a substance use disorder or who are otherwise at risk of drug use, free of charge; prohibits facilities from collecting personally identifying information on such individuals; prohibits police from targeting individuals receiving wound care kits or xylazine test strips under such program.
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 the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to create a discounted fare policy for minors aged 12 through 17 on all MTA systems and facilities. It directly affects teenagers in this age group who use public transit. The key provision eliminates the need for a parent or guardian to be present for a minor to qualify for the discounted fare. The policy would apply immediately to all MTA services without requiring adult accompaniment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires transit authorities and their subsidiaries to ensure accessible buses (wheelchair-friendly) are available within a three-mile service area of any bus line. It mandates that 65% of all regularly operated buses must be accessible, achieved by requiring all newly purchased, leased, or brought-into-service buses (except those for temporary shortages) to be accessible until the 65% threshold is met. The law directly affects public transit agencies like the MTA, ensuring better access for transportation-disabled riders, including wheelchair users, on fixed-route bus services. Key provisions include the 65% accessibility target and the 3-mile service area requirement for accessible buses.
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.
Enacts the "public university emergency contraception education act" requiring the commissioner of public health to establish a statewide emergency contraceptive college education and awareness program to promote public awareness in colleges and universities and to disseminate informational materials related to emergency contraception.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8999) requires home care workers receiving wage parity compensation to be paid directly in cash wages by default, unless they voluntarily and in writing choose to receive part or all as supplemental benefits. It mandates clear, plain-language disclosures to workers about the monetary value, limitations, and their right to opt for cash at any time, prohibiting automatic enrollment in non-cash benefits. Employers cannot deduct wages to fund benefits without explicit, revocable written consent, and unauthorized deductions are deemed unlawful wage violations. The Attorney General and state health/labor departments will enforce these rules, with penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to all home care programs, including the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement for workers with permanent partial disabilities to prove ongoing "labor market attachment" to receive ongoing compensation benefits. It directly affects injured workers who have been classified as permanently partially disabled due to work-related injuries. The key change eliminates the need for these claimants to demonstrate continued workforce engagement to maintain benefits, while keeping the existing compensation rate (66.67% of lost wages) and maximum benefit duration limits based on the severity of disability. The bill applies to cases with injury dates after the effective date of related 2017 legislation.
