Asm. Karines Reyes

Relates to motor vehicle insurance fairness; provides that insurance rates shall not be increased based on certain factors; sets forth processes for motor vehicle insurers to have rate increases approved; allows public access in relation to any proposed insurance rate increases; allows members of the public to request permission to intervene in proceedings related to rate increases; directs rules and regulations to be established.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all motor vehicles operated for hire (like taxis, ride-sharing services, or limousines) to have a human driver physically present, seated behind the steering wheel, and actively engaged in driving. It specifically prohibits the use of self-driving technology in these vehicles without a human driver present and actively operating the vehicle. The law amends traffic regulations to mandate this requirement for all such hired vehicles on public roads. It directly affects companies and drivers providing for-hire transportation services in New York. The policy change is a clear restriction on automated driving systems in commercial passenger vehicles.

Maddy summaryBill A 8287 requires all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to conduct triennial testing for lead in potable water systems in their buildings. If lead contamination exceeds a specified action level, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan." This plan mandates the installation of filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets in areas like kitchens, while rendering other unfiltered water outlets for human consumption inoperable. Schools must also provide safe, free drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data and management plans publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover the full cost of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine, adding it to the list of mandatory immunizations insurers must reimburse. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by mandating coverage for this specific vaccine alongside others like measles, polio, and tetanus. The key mechanism amends insurance law to explicitly include "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" in the required vaccine coverage list, meeting U.S. public health standards. It also allows certified pharmacists to administer these vaccines in pharmacies. The law applies to insurance contracts effective January 1 after enactment.

Relates to providing language access services to individuals relating to tax abatement programs for rent-controlled and rent-regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities and senior citizen and disabled homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7013) requires New York State to implement a standardized episodic payment system for certified home health agencies by October 1, 2025, affecting all Medicaid managed care plans, child health insurance plans, and Essential Plans operating in the state. It mandates that the state commissioner notify these plans that episodic payments are the standard method for covering home health services, emphasizing their role in improving patient care and reducing avoidable hospital costs. The bill allows managed care plans and home health agencies to agree on alternative payment rates, including value-based options tied to health outcomes. This change directly modifies how home health services are funded and accessed within New York's Medicaid and insurance systems.

Authorizes up to two percent of mobile sports tax revenue, but not more than twenty-three million dollars, be used for youth team sports funding to be distributed by county youth bureaus, city of New York's department of youth and community development, and an organization which supports and invests in programs that use sports as a vehicle for youth development and social change.

Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.

Enacts the "Renewable Capitol act"; requires the office of general services, in consultation with the power authority of the state of New York, to ensure that all operations that power, heat or cool the empire state plaza complex shall entirely use renewable energy systems; requires the office of general services to establish an advisory committee to advise the office of general services on the preparation, design and content of a plan for the use of renewable energy systems.

Provides presumptive eligibility for medical assistance benefits for persons released from correctional facilities for at least sixty days following release; provides for enrollment of such individuals upon release upon application, if eligible.