Asm. Chris Burdick

Maddy summaryThis bill removes criminal penalties for possessing buprenorphine (a medication used to treat opioid addiction) when used for medical purposes under specific circumstances. It directly affects individuals who currently face criminal charges for possessing this medication, particularly those using it in addiction treatment. The key change amends Public Health Law to clarify that possession for medical use by a practitioner or patient is no longer classified as a crime. The law remains focused on medical use during treatment for addiction, without creating new programs or funding.

Establishes the psilocybin assisted therapy pilot program; provides such program will be offered to veterans and first responders from New York state; establishes a psilocybin assisted therapy pilot program fund.

Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"; relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated individuals based upon gender identity; requires that incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities who have a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth be addressed and have access to commissary items, clothing and other materials that are consistent with the person's gender identity; establishes that incarcerated individuals shall be presumptively placed in a correctional facility with persons of the gender that most closely aligns with such person's self-attested gender identity unless the person opts out of such placement.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects all revenue from New York's opioid excise tax - including taxes, interest, and penalties - to the New York State Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund. It requires that 100% of collected tax (after reserving funds for potential refunds) be paid to this specific fund, as defined in state finance law. The fund supports drug treatment programs and public education initiatives related to substance abuse. This policy change ensures opioid tax revenue directly finances state-level prevention and treatment services. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Enacts the regional equity in policy implementation act; establishes a regional impact assessment framework; requires a ten-point regional impact test for statewide climate, energy, and infrastructure policies.

Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.

Stabilizes electric costs for New York consumers; restricts unreasonable rate and fee increases; establishes additional auditing and enforcement authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "POWER Act," authorizes New York City's comptroller (referred to as the "fiscal officer") to enforce and investigate violations of state minimum wage laws within the city. It directly affects NYC workers and employers by giving the comptroller authority to probe wage theft and other labor standard violations covered under specific labor law sections. Key provisions allow the comptroller to inspect workplaces, issue subpoenas, review records, and impose penalties - similar to the Commissioner of Consumer and Worker Protection - while clarifying that this does not replace existing enforcement by other city agencies or state departments. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions and requirements for organizations that provide fiscal intermediary services within the consumer directed personal assistance program. It establishes a new category of "Fiscal intermediary" alongside the existing "Statewide fiscal intermediary," allowing certain entities, like those with Department of Health contracts or independent living centers, to operate in this role. These new fiscal intermediaries will have the same status as the Statewide fiscal intermediary and can directly contract with managed care plans and other programs. The bill also removes the procurement process requirement for the Statewide fiscal intermediary and streamlines registration rules for these service providers.

Maddy summaryBill A 6586 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services for individuals with serious conditions expected to last at least three months and at high risk of hospitalization, nursing home placement, or health decline. These services help connect patients to social supports like transportation, housing, food assistance, and healthcare appointments, and include referrals, enrollment help, and care coordination. Certified navigators (trained through approved programs) must provide these services under a healthcare provider's supervision. The law applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring coverage for high-risk patients who need help accessing care.