Asm. Nader Sayegh

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "optometry freedom act," prohibits insurance carriers and vision plans from restricting optometrists' choices for sourcing eye care products and services. It directly affects optometrists and vision care plans by banning contractual clauses that force optometrists to use specific labs or suppliers for covered materials (like glasses, contacts, and frames) or covered services. The key provision removes restrictions on optometrists' ability to select their own suppliers for reimbursement-eligible items, such as lenses, frames, and contact lenses, without violating plan contracts. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires the use of a fire-resistant blanket, bag or container when charging a bicycle with electric assist or an electric scooter; requires sellers of such vehicles to include a fire-resistant blanket, bag, or container with the sale of each e-bike or e-scooter; establishes fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds 5 points to a driver's license for anyone convicted of participating in speed contests or races. It directly affects drivers found guilty of such activities under current vehicle laws. The law amends the vehicle and traffic code to impose this specific license penalty alongside existing fines or jail time, effective November 1st after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools to inspect and test every automated external defibrillator (AED) device at least once a month. School staff members must hold valid certification in AED operation to perform these inspections, following both manufacturer guidelines and government standards. If an AED fails to meet standards during inspection, it must be replaced immediately through the school's emergency health care provider. Schools must also keep written records of all inspections and tests, submitting them annually to the state health commissioner. The law applies directly to all public schools and their designated staff responsible for AED maintenance.

Ensures continuity of care for cancer patients during insurance contract negotiations by requiring insurance coverage and treatment continue until the conclusion of care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance law to prevent insurers from selling new long-term care insurance policies that duplicate coverage a person already has. It directly affects insurance companies selling long-term care policies and policyholders who might otherwise purchase redundant coverage. The key provision requires insurers to verify existing coverage before issuing a new policy, ensuring new policies only provide additional benefits not already in force. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right to counsel for eligible immigrants in New York during immigration proceedings. It applies to income-eligible non-citizens or those with significant New York ties (like residents or cases tied to NY courts) facing removal or detention under federal immigration law. The New York State Office for New Americans will administer the program, providing initial consultations and ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and continuing until the case concludes. Legal services must be offered regardless of the proceeding's location, including federal immigration courts outside New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that batteries used in electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters must be tested and approved by specific accredited laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories or labs meeting international ISO/IEC standards. It mandates that these batteries display a certification seal from an approved lab, including those accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or participating in the OSHA NRTL program. The law directly affects battery manufacturers and sellers of e-bikes and e-scooters, who must ensure compliance before selling or using these devices. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Enacts the building up immigrant legal defense or BUILD act to provide competitive workforce development and capacity building grants to eligible entities that are seeking to expand access to representation for individuals facing deportation by increasing the workforce and strengthening the legal services infrastructure needed to provide such representation.

Establishes a school air conditioning system grant program to provide schools with funding to install air conditioning systems in certain areas; makes an appropriation therefor.