Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's state health insurance marketplace to award annual grants to organizations that help residents apply for health insurance. It creates three specific grant programs: funding certified navigators (who assist individuals), community enrollment programs, and certifying licensed insurance agents to help low-income residents and small businesses. Priority funding is directed to New York City and counties with uninsured rates above the state average for people earning under 400% of the federal poverty level. The grants must follow federal rules and require annual state budget appropriations.
Creates 10 interagency placement committees throughout the state to recommend treatment and rehabilitation programs or strategies for youths with co-existing mental disabilities; directs such committees to establish a process by which youths can be referred to such committees; directs such committees to submit a report annually to the governor and legislature identifying gaps in treatment and rehabilitation options, and any plans or recommendations to increase such options.
Maddy summaryBill A 945, known as "Jacobe's Law," requires school administrators to contact the parents or guardians of students when a verified incident of bullying, harassment, or discrimination has occurred. Designated school employees must first investigate and confirm the incident. Following verification, a school professional will discuss any health, safety, or privacy concerns with the students involved. If no such concerns are expressed, the school will make a good faith effort to contact the parents; if concerns are raised, the professional will use their judgment to determine if parental contact is in the student's best interest. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report such incidents in good faith.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes the federal preclearance requirement for certain counties regarding election policies. It directly affects counties that previously met specific criteria related to voting rights history, such as those with high arrest rates for protected classes or significant demographic disparities in voting age populations. The key change modifies the definition of "covered entities" in election law by deleting provisions that would have required preclearance for counties meeting those demographic or arrest-rate thresholds. As a result, counties previously subject to these requirements no longer need federal approval before changing election rules. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
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.
Provides that schools, child day cares, day care centers, or community based organizations which support activities for children under the age of eighteen can not serve as a shelter for migrants.
Directs the department of labor and the office for people with developmental disabilities to study and report on the wages earned by those who help, assist, support, and/or work with the developmentally disabled.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5001) requires New York state agencies to conduct cost comparisons before signing consultant contracts exceeding $1 million annually. It mandates agencies to evaluate whether state employees could provide the same services at equal or lower cost, excluding legal services and construction contracts. If savings exceed 10%, agencies must develop a business plan analyzing options, performance risks, and quality standards, and notify affected employees if layoffs may occur. The plan must then be reviewed by the state comptroller, who has 90 days to approve or disapprove it.
Provides a reimbursement to small businesses and residential consumers of certain utilities for failure to provide contracted services; requires the Long Island power authority to do the same.
