Asm. Karines Reyes

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases corporate income tax rates in the state. For most corporations, the rate rises to 7.25% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Corporations with a business income base exceeding $5 million will pay 11.5% instead of the standard rate. The change applies to businesses operating within the state and affects all corporate taxpayers subject to the state's tax law, with specific lower rates for small businesses, manufacturers, and qualified emerging technology companies as defined in the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for taxable years starting on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign about maternal depression for both the public and maternal healthcare providers, funded through a new $20 million "maternal depression fund." The fund, managed by the state comptroller and tax commissioner, receives the $20 million appropriation and directs it to the Department of Health to implement the awareness program. It directly affects New York residents, particularly new mothers and healthcare providers, by providing resources to educate about maternal depression risks and treatments. The bill establishes clear mechanisms for funding allocation and disbursement without altering existing healthcare services or eligibility.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9552) changes how appellate courts review jury awards in civil cases involving damages. It requires appellate courts to give the highest level of deference to a jury's factual findings, including their assessment of damages, meaning courts will rarely overturn such awards. The key provision states that a damage award can only be deemed excessive or inadequate if the party challenging it proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the verdict was so unreasonable it "shocks the conscience" and could not have been reached by any reasonable jury. This directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits where juries determine monetary damages, making it harder for appeals to change those awards. The law takes effect immediately and applies to all cases filed on or after that date.

Prohibits the use of aversive conditioning which includes any procedure which causes obvious signs of physical pain, including but not limited to hitting, pinching and electric shock; prohibits the use of any procedure or punishment which denies a vulnerable person reasonable sleep, shelter, bedding, bathroom facilities and any other aspect expected of a humane existence; defines terms.

Prohibits the use of the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis, label, or cause of death on death certificates, autopsy reports, police reports or any report, policy or procedure by a public agency or contractor; defines excited delirium.

Authorizes a holder of a license to perform limited-scope radiography to practice radiography at urgent care centers under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or licensed registered radiologic technologist; defines limited-scope radiographer as a person licensed to practice radiography limited to chest, extremities, skull/sinus, and spine/sacrum at urgent care centers; makes related provisions.

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.